EMU Today

YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan University’s educator preparation programs have again earned the strong endorsement of the national accrediting body that seeks to ensure the highest quality standards and results in teacher education.  

Eastern Michigan, founded as the Michigan State Normal School in 1849, has maintained a reputation for excellence in the preparation of teachers, administrators, and other school personnel throughout Michigan and around the world.

The University has been accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) since its inception in 1954.  This spring, Eastern received full accreditation from  the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), the successor to NCATE.

“National accreditation verifies that the many things we do are not only good in our eyes but also when held up to the tough scrutiny of a review by a panel of top educators from across the country,” said Mike Sayler, dean of the College of Education. “Our accreditation verifies that our teacher candidates are held to high standards in terms of learning content and pedagogical knowledge and have demonstrated this knowledge through performance on classroom assessments and grades, standardized tests, and the real test – evaluation of their actual classroom instruction.

“Graduates of Eastern Michigan University’s teacher preparation programs are well prepared to make a difference in children’s and families’ lives, as well as the communities in which they reside.”

 CAEP announced that Eastern is one of 46 providers from 22 states and Puerto Rico to receive accreditation for its educator preparation programs. The spring 2018 review by the CAEP Accreditation Council increased to 147 the total number of providers approved under the CAEP teacher preparation standards — rigorous, nationally recognized standards that were developed to ensure excellence in educator preparation programs. 

“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.”

CAEP is the sole nationally recognized accrediting body for educator preparation. Accreditation is a nongovernmental activity based on peer review that serves the dual functions of assuring quality and promoting improvement. CAEP was created by the consolidation of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council. Currently, more than 800 educator preparation providers participate in the CAEP Accreditation system, including many previously accredited through former standards.

Educator preparation providers seeking accreditation must pass peer review on five standards, which are based on two principles:

1. Solid evidence that the provider’s graduates are competent and caring educators.
2. Solid evidence that the provider’s educator staff have the capacity to create a culture of evidence and use it to maintain and enhance the quality of the professional programs they offer.

If a program fails to meet one of the five standards or required components under the standards, it is placed on probation for two years. Probation may be lifted in two years if a program provides evidence that it meets the standard. 

Beth Kubitskey, associate dean of students and curriculum in the College of Education, said that Eastern’s success in the accreditation process stems in large part from the strong partnership among Eastern students, University faculty, communities and P-12 partners.

Kubitskey also emphasized that such accreditation represents more than validation for the University – it’s an opportunity for self-examination and evolution.

“We engage in this rigorous process to identify and reinforce our strengths while striving towards continuous improvement,” she said.

About the Eastern Michigan University College of Education

Founded in 1849 as the first "normal school" west of the Alleghenies, Eastern Michigan University is one of the largest producers of educational personnel in the country. The College of Education provides outstanding leadership in education. Our graduates are highly sought by school districts and other employers. The College offers a comprehensive range of programs bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees (many with online and off-campus options) – and extensive non-degree and certification learning experiences.