Athens State University recently hosted a team of visitors from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) where preliminary findings determined that the institution’s College of Education met all the group’s standards. The team noted a number of strengths including feedback from teachers, administrators and field partners that indicates Athens State’s graduates are actively sought for placement and employment as a result of their outstanding preparation.
In addition, the NCATE representatives acknowledged the recently formed Board of Visitors that represents the commitment of community and school partners to the continuing success of teacher education at Athens State University. They were also complimentary of the work done at the Alabama Center for the Arts and their interdisciplinary programs that included teacher education.
“Overall this was an exceptionally strong validation of the good work of the faculty and staff of the College of Education,” stated Athens State President Bob Glenn. “I congratulate the entire College of Education, but I would be remiss if I did not note in particular the leadership of Dean Patricia Sims, Associate Professor Rosemary Hodges and Assistant Vice President Jackie Smith. This has been a very good day for Athens State University.”
NCATE establishes high quality teacher preparation through the process of professional accreditation of schools, colleges and departments of education. The organization’s performance-based system of accreditation fosters competent classroom teachers and other educators who work to improve the education of all P-12 students.