UM Lauded for Excellence in Preparing Educators, School Professionals

UM’s professional education programs recently earned their highest national accreditation review since 1954, when the Phyllis J. Washington College of Education and Human Sciences became a founding member of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

The accreditation evaluated forty-two professional education programs across four colleges and schools, ranging from teacher preparation in elementary education to advanced degrees in school administration and school psychology, among many others.

“Under the leadership of Dean Roberta Evans, the Phyllis J. Washington College of Education and Human Sciences delivers outstanding educator-preparation programs and ensures their candidates and graduates are successful,” says B. Joyce Stallworth, NCATE team chair and associate provost at the University of Alabama. “During the entire accreditation review process, the unit provided clear evidence that it meets the six rigorous NCATE standards.

“Throughout the onsite visit, all administrators, faculty, staff, and students demonstrated their commitment to excellence,” Stallworth says. “I was impressed with the level of professionalism exhibited by everyone at the University.”

High accreditation scores highlight the college’s excellence in preparing future P-12 teachers and other school professionals.

“A strong teaching work force is critical for good schools and the economic strength of Montana,” Governor Steve Bullock says. “UM has a long tradition of preparing teachers to serve our students from before they enter kindergarten until they graduate from high school.”

The accreditation process occurs every seven years. The assessment requires the college to submit more than 3,000 data reports, policy documents, and examples of student work. These documents were reviewed by educational leaders across the nation and within the state.

Unanimously, the programs were awarded accreditation with the highest scores possible. Review findings emphasized their outstanding leadership, assessment system, and innovative use of digital learning models, noting that the programs are poised for tremendous growth.