Baker Recognized for National Excellence in Educator Prep

Baker University School of Education joined 42 other institutions in meeting the new, rigorous accreditation standards of the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation in the fall of 2017. CAEP’s rigorous, nationally recognized standards were developed to ensure excellence in educator preparation programs and better prepare tomorrow’s teachers.

“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.”

CAEP is the sole nationally recognized 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.

Educator preparation providers seeking accreditation must pass peer review on five standards, based on two principles:

1. Solid evidence that the provider’s graduates are competent and caring educators
2. 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

Baker University’s School of Education has a strong reputation for producing outstanding teachers. Baker alumni are consistently nominated for the Kansas Teacher of the Year award, and many of the area’s most recognized leaders in education hold master’s and doctoral degrees from Baker University. This accreditation recognizes Baker’s excellence in the field of education.

“As the gold standard for educator preparation programs, CAEP accreditation recognizes the School of Education’s excellence across programs and its commitment to developing confident and competent educational leaders,” Marcus Childress, dean of Baker University School of Education, said.

Baker University School of Education joins 42 other providers to receive CAEP Accreditation in fall 2017. Overall, 101 preparation providers from 33 states and the District of Columbia have received CAEP accreditation.