SPRINGFIELD, Mo., June 9, 2021 — Drury University’s School of Education and Child Development has earned re-accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Drury’s program met the accrediting body’s highest standards, as the review found zero areas for improvement or other stipulations.
The program joins 423 others approved under CAEP’s rigorous, nationally recognized accreditation standards, which ensure excellence in educator preparation programs. DU’s School of Education has maintained continuous national accreditation since 1954.
“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,” says CAEP President Dr. Christopher A. Koch. “Seeking CAEP accreditation is a significant commitment on the part of an educator preparation provider.”
The CAEP board of directors updated educator preparation standards in 2020, reflecting a commitment to equity and diversity, and placing an emphasis on the importance of technology in preparing future educators.
“The CAEP accreditation process is rigorous and required complete collaboration among our faculty and staff,” says dean Dr. Natalie Precise. “We hold high standards for our students, and this process proves our determination to be a top school for educating future teachers. The past year has taught us all the value of teachers in our society, and the faculty and staff in our School of Education are dedicated to continuing to provide high quality preservice education for future teachers for years to come.”
About Drury’s School of Education
Drury’s School of Education and Child Development prepares highly effective educators for work in schools throughout the Ozarks and beyond. The school offers various teacher education programs to support learners in all stages of life. These include traditional undergraduate options, as well as evening and online tracks offered at Drury’s Springfield and St. Robert campuses.
Initial certification in elementary education and secondary education are both offered at the undergraduate level, with the newly added middle school education certification program. For teachers looking to take their professional skills to the next level, nine Master in Education programs are offered by Drury’s College of Graduate Studies.
Students seeking to streamline their path to a master’s degree can choose the 4+1 Program. With appropriate advising and fulfillment of academic standards, students can complete a bachelor’s degree (typically four years) and fast-track completion of a master’s degree in one additional year. This opportunity allows them to save money and time in the pursuit of a M.Ed. in one of three areas: curriculum and instruction, integrated learning or special education.
For more information about undergraduate and graduate education programs at Drury, visit: www.drury.edu/education.
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