Teacher Education Program Receives International Accreditation
The University of Denver’s (DU) Morgridge College of Education’s (MCE) Teacher Education Program (TEP) has received accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Such accreditation is quality assurance that the program meets standards set by organizations representing the academic community, professionals, and other stakeholders. To maintain accreditation the institution or program must undergo a similar review on a regular basis every 7 to 10 years.
"At the Morgridge College of Education we strive for excellence in everything that we do, which is why we chose to pursue CAEP accreditation. National accreditation denotes a commitment to best practices and continual quality improvement that we at Morgridge feel is important for our teacher candidates as well as the students and families that they will serve as well. The programs that have CAEP accreditation are national leaders in the field and we are very excited to be a part of this prestigious group,” Dr. Karen Riley, Dean of the Morgridge College of Education said.
In the wake of dubious providers of educational offerings – or "degree mills" – educator accreditation is a seal of approval that assures programs prepare new teachers to know their subjects, their students, and have the clinical training that allows them to enter the classroom ready to teach effectively. The Morgridge College of Education is the most accredited college at the University of Denver. The CAEP accreditation is reflective of MCE’s commitment to achieving the highest educational standards available.
"These institutions meet high standards so that their students receive an education that prepares them to succeed in a diverse range of classrooms after they graduate," said CAEP President Dr. Christopher A. Koch. "Seeking CAEP Accreditation is a significant commitment on the part of an educator preparation provider."
Preparing for CAEP accreditation is a three-year process that involves rigorous internal and external assessment and reporting, which culminates with an on-campus site review. MCE’s CAEP accreditation process was led by Jessica Lerner, EdS, Assistant Professor of Practice and Director of Teacher Education, and Maria Salazar, PhD, Associate Professor Teacher and Learning Sciences and Teacher Education Program.
CAEP accreditation has a direct impact on the entire educational ecosystem:
- P-12 Learners – outcomes based evidence ensures all learners are at the center of determining effectiveness of educators
- Teacher Educators – because the process is infused with research and development, the knowledge base of effective practice will grow
- State Education Agencies – provides a strong partner for quality assurance, helps connect the national consensus on preparation to state-level policy and provide support for a state’s own authorization/accountability system
- Education Professionals – rigorous standards elevate the profession
TEP offers an intensive, integrated, one-year professional preparation experience. Apprentice teachers receive field placement for the entire academic year, with a gradual release of teaching responsibility over the year.
As part of its commitment to placing qualified teachers in underserved schools, the Morgridge College of Education has partnered with the Denver Public School (DPS) district to create Urban Teacher Fellowships (UTF). These competitive fellowships provide additional financial support for those students dedicated to working in one of the high-needs urban schools within DPS.