Accreditation is the primary method for college programs to maintain a consistent standard of education. This means that no matter whether you receive an undergraduate or graduate degree in education from Boston College or Xavier University, the accreditation process ensures that both programs provide the courses you need to succeed in the field. The accrediting bodies typically are private associations consisting of professionals who help develop evaluation criteria as well as conduct them.
Education colleges seeking accreditation are required to complete a self-evaluation, analyzing how well they currently meet the criteria. After reviewing operations and planning any necessary changes, the colleges submit their reports to the accrediting agency. If they've made their case well, they'll host a peer review team from the accrediting body who in turn will decide whether the school meets their requirements.
Founded in 1997, the Teacher Education Accreditation Council aims to help education students find quality programs. Its recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation as well as the U.S. Department of Education and counts education departments at universities across the nation as members. Since 1954, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education has been helping ensure that education programs turn out quality teachers. The group is a coalition of 34 member organizations of teachers, teacher educators and local and state policy-makers. In 2010, the agencies decided to join forces and are merging into a new organization, the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation, providing even more consistency in education program standards.
Choosing an accredited teaching college is among the best choices a prospective teacher can make. This will ensure that your degree is not only recognized by potential employers but held in high regard. With the advent of online schools, there are plenty of diploma mills. As a prospective teacher, you need to know the latest tools and methods for teaching, not only to pass a licensing exam, but also to give your future students the best education possible. Nationally-recognized accredited schools are prepared to give you all the knowledge you need for success.