Trinity University

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Dec. 16, 2011

Trinity University's Education Programs Earn Re-accreditation by National Teacher Organization

SAN ANTONIO - The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, (NCATE), an organization that strives for educator excellence through professional accreditation of teacher preparation programs, has again re-accredited Trinity University's department of education.

"At Trinity, we have maintained a long history with NCATE accreditation, first being recognized as a nationally-accredited program in 1957 and maintaining that accreditation over the last half-century," said Shari Becker Albright, the Murchison Distinguished Professor of Practice and chair of the education department.

Of 174 educator preparation programs in the state of Texas, Trinity's program is one of only 13 with NCATE's national accreditation, she said.

All three of Trinity's graduate programs - the Master of Arts in Teaching for initial teacher certification, Master of Arts in School Psychology, and Master of Education in School Leadership - were accredited with a special note that "no areas for improvement" were needed. 

Achieving national accreditation is a rigorous process of documentation and self-reflection, ongoing growth, and development as a program, Albright said, adding that the organization's Board of Examiners also conducts an on-site evaluation. 

"At a time when teacher education is under great scrutiny, Trinity is committed to pursuing excellence in educator preparation through its rigorous programmatic design, innovative, field-based experiences, long-term professional development school relationships and top-notch faculty and student body," she said.

The national organization currently accredits 656 institutions and is the teaching profession's mechanism to help to establish high quality teacher, specialist, and administrator preparation. Through the process of professional accreditation of schools, colleges and departments of education, NCATE works to make a difference in the quality of teaching, teachers, school specialists, and administrators. NCATE believes every student deserves a caring, competent, and highly qualified teacher.

Trinity began a five-year Master of Arts in Teaching program in 1987. Over the years, Trinity has demonstrated a strong commitment to public elementary and secondary education and strives to prepare educators who possess the credentials and experience needed to create, manage, and nurture successful learning environments.

The U.S. Department of Education recognizes NCATE as a specialized accrediting body for schools, colleges, and departments of education. The organization is composed of more than 30 professional and policymaker organizations representing millions of Americans committed to quality teaching.