The intricacies of teaching a child to read, to solve math problems, and to understand scientific concepts, should not be a trial and error proposition. And it does not have to be. 
 
Professional accreditation has played a critical role in the standard of living that we enjoy in America today. Much that we take for granted—from the bridges we cross to the highways we use to the health care we receive—are the result of efforts of professionals in various fields who produce and live by high standards. Accreditation standards are the bedrock upon which the established professions have built their reputation and garnered the esteem of American society. The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) is a specialized accrediting body which helps assure quality in educator preparation.
 
NCATE Accreditation: What it Means to the Public: 

• the school of education has undergone rigorous external review by professionals;
• candidate performance is thoroughly assessed throughout the program and before he or she is recommended for licensure;
• the programs meet standards set by the teaching field at large, including classroom teachers.

The New Professional Teacher graduating from an NCATE-accredited institution: 

• knows the subject matter and a variety of ways to teach it to ensure student learning;
• can manage classrooms with students from widely diverse backgrounds;
• has a broad liberal arts education;
• is able to explain why he or she uses a particular teaching strategy based on research and best practice;
• reflects on practice and changes what does not work;
• is able to apply effective methods of teaching students of different backgrounds;
• has had a number of diverse clinical experiences in P–12 schools and studies under a wide variety of master teachers during a coherent program of clinical education;
• nurtures the growth and development of each student in his or her classes.

What Does NCATE Accreditation Mean for Teacher Candidates? 
 
Teacher candidates from NCATE-accredited institutions will be better prepared for new, more demanding initial licensing expectations in many states, and for board certification through the new National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. NCATE is working with the Council of Chief State School Officers and NBPTS to ensure that accreditation, licensing, and certification standards are compatible.
 
Many states have reciprocity agreements based on graduation from NCATE-accredited schools, so that graduates from NCATE-accredited institutions will generally find it easier to apply for licensure when they move out of state. 
 
Visit www.ncate.org for a complete list of NCATE accredited institutions.

 

 

 

 

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