Westminster’s School of Education Becomes First School in Utah to be Accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC)

May 30, 2006 


SALT LAKE CITY - Utah’s Westminster College has become the first institution in Utah to have its teacher education program accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC). The program has received initial accreditation for five years, through April 2011.

TEAC’s accreditation process is a stringent one that is built around the organization’s goal of preparing competent, caring, and qualified professional educators. TEAC required Westminster show evidence that supported its case for accreditation through the drafting of a detailed inquiry brief. The accreditation process examined and verified the evidence Westminster’s School of Education presented.

TEAC’s membership represents education programs within a broad range of higher education institutions, from small liberal arts colleges to large research universities, and includes professional organizations.

The Westminster teacher education program is designed to prepare candidates to teach effectively in diverse learning environments while earning a teaching license. Approved by the Utah Board of Education to offer programs leading to a teaching license in early childhood education, elementary education and secondary education, the School of Education also offers endorsements in special education, English as a second language, and reading at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels. The school also offers programs leading to a Master’s of Education degree.

Dean of Education, Mark Ankeny, said, “We are thrilled that TEAC has accredited our teacher education programs. This is a very desirable accreditation, and one that we worked hard to achieve. We look forward to serving students in Utah as we prepare our candidates to become highly effective teachers.”