UTRGV is one of 55 providers from 28 states and the United Arab Emirates to receive accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation for its Educator Preparation Program.

UTRGV offers a university-based teacher preparation curriculum and graduate degrees designed to produce exemplary educators. National accreditation was earned for the teacher preparation programs, for the Master of Arts in School Psychology and for the Superintendent Certification programs.

CAEP is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Accreditation is a nongovernmental activity based on peer review that serves the dual functions of assuring quality and promoting improvement. The increase of 55 educator preparation providers receiving accreditation brings the total to 507 providers approved under the CAEP Accreditation Standards.

Preparing The Future

Alma Rodriguez, dean of the UTRGV College of Education and P-16 Integration, said faculty and staff should be very proud of the work they are doing and of this accomplishment.

“We’ve set a very high bar for our educator preparation program and CAEP Accreditation validates the hard work and commitment of our faculty, staff and students,” she said. “Our students are graduating from high quality programs that are designated as nationally accredited and are ready to enter the education profession.”

Janna Arney, UTRGV executive vice president and provost, said the College of Education and P-16 Integration continues to make a vital difference in preparing students for a career in education.

“We are proud to learn that our Educator Preparation Program has earned recognition and accreditation from CAEP, joining the ranks of other highly rated programs across the country,” Arney said. “The news showcases the dedication of our faculty and staff to making sure UTRGV’S future educators are fully prepared.”

About CAEP

CAEP is a unified accreditation system committed to elevating the performance of all institutions focused on educator preparation. More than 600 educator preparation providers participate in the CAEP Accreditation System, including some previously accredited through former standards.

“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.”

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

• Solid evidence that the provider’s graduates are competent and caring educators.
• 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.