When a school is an accredited college, university or program, it means that the school has met certain standards. When employers are considering candidates for teaching positions, one of the first things they will look for is whether the candidate has received a degree or certification from an accredited school, or one that is recognized by an accrediting agency. In this way, employers can make sure that the degree the candidate has received is relevant and meaningful to the position they are applying for.
Accreditation is the process by which a nongovernmental entity as well as government agencies ensure that institutions of higher education are providing education of an acceptable quality. Accrediting agencies develop a set of standards that an institution must meet. When an institution requests that an accrediting agency audits their school, their education program will be evaluated, and only those institutions that meet an agency's qualifications will be accredited by that agency.
One type of accreditation is called "specialized" or "programmatic" accreditation. Education programs can become accredited if they meet an accrediting agency's standards. There are different types of accredited education degree and programs, including bachelor's degrees, associate's degrees and certifications. Although many schools in the United States require a bachelor's degree in education of their teachers, any of these program types may be accredited if they meet the standards of an accrediting agency.
The U.S. Department of Education has made it easier for people to determine whether or not the specific college, university or program they are interested in has been accredited by an accrediting agency. Their Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs is an easy-to-use search engine that allows users to search for the names of institutions or programs and then receive information about its accreditation.