College of Education Earns National Continuing Accreditation

Georgia Southern University’s College of Education (COE) has earned national continuing accreditation for its initial teacher preparation and advanced preparation programs from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). The COE’s programs were singled-out for special recognition by the Council, noting that the rigorous review process found “no areas for improvement relative to any of the standards,” according to a letter from James G. Cibulka, president of NCATE.

“NCATE’s continuing accreditation is a testament to the consistent focus on quality and assessment advanced by all our faculty and staff at the College of Education, and it demonstrates once again that our highest priority is teacher effectiveness and student success,” said Dean Thomas R. Koballa, Jr., Ph.D. “I am extremely proud of our entire College for the hard work that went into the yearlong review process.  As always, our students and their parents are assured that our programs meet the highest state and national standards for academic excellence as a result of NCATE’s national continuing accreditation.” Georgia Southern’s educator preparation programs have been NCATE accredited since 1954 when NCATE was incorporated as an accrediting body. While on-site accreditation takes place every seven years, the College must meet rigorous reporting requirements annually to stay in compliance with NCATE’s accreditation. “The College of Education exemplifies the standards of excellence that are the hallmark of our University,” said President Brooks A. Keel. Ph.D. “NCATE has once again affirmed the College of Education’s longstanding reputation as a regional leader in educator preparation.” The University has a rich history of preparing education professionals. The bachelor’s degree in education is the oldest professional degree at Georgia Southern. From 1924 to 1955, the entire institution focused exclusively on preparing future teachers. Today, COE offers bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and specialist degrees. The focus of all educator preparation programs continues to be providing many and varied opportunities for hands-on professional experience in the classroom. “Our partner schools are  the cornerstone of our College,” Koballa said. “Our student educators get the experience they need to make them effective teachers and education professionals, and are highly desirable in the job market.” Georgia Southern University, a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers 125 degree programs serving more than 20,000 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement.  Georgia Southern is recognized for its student-centered approach to education. Visit: www.georgiasouthern.edu.