Campbell University among 16 nationally recognized teacher prep programs

WASHINGTON – The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) announced today that Campbell University is one of 16 providers from 10 states and the District of Columbia to receive accreditation for their educator preparation programs. The spring 2017 review by the CAEP Accreditation Council increased to 50 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 and provides opportunities for continuous improvement to programs committed to excellence.”

CAEP is the sole 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. It is a unified accreditation system intent on raising the performance of all institutions focused on educator preparation. Currently, more than 800 educator preparation providers participate in the CAEP accreditation system, including many grandfathered into accreditation under 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, and
  2. There must be 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, or until it provides evidence that it meets the standard. When seeking first-time accreditation, providers that do not meet one or more of the standards are denied accreditation.

“Harnett County is proud to work in unison with Campbell University’s School of Education to prepare future teachers and administrators to become successful leaders in our schools,” said Debra Bagby, employment coordinator for Harnett County Schools.

“We are equally proud of the Professional Education Department’s Achievement as CAEP accredited! The students and faculty are invested in making the teaching-learning connection come alive. The faculty, students, and alumni participate in critical and valued connections, collaborations, and partnerships with Harnett County Schools. We are proud to be part of Campbell’s long history of excellence and join in congratulating their rigorous achievement of a CAEP Accredited Educator Preparation Program.”

Campbell University joins 15 other providers to receive CAEP accreditation in spring 2017. They join the 34 providers previously accredited. Overall, 50 preparation providers from 25 states and the District of Columbia have received CAEP accreditation.