VCU news

By Leila Ugincius

The Virginia Commonwealth University School of Education earned high marks in its reaccreditation from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. The five-year qualification serves as another recognition of the School of Education’s accomplishments as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.

NCATE, a nonprofit, nongovernmental alliance of 33 national professional education and public organizations, is the profession’s mechanism to help establish high quality teacher preparation. NCATE accreditation is a mark of distinction, providing recognition that VCU School of Education has met high national professional standards for the preparation of teachers and other educators.

"The school's reaccreditation exemplifies VCU's overall commitment to investing in our faculty and programs," said VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D. "Dr. Christine Walther-Thomas and her leadership team  have established a premier School of Education as recognized by NCATE. The School of Education is focused on addressing the unique challenges and opportunities that our urban environment offers."

Walther-Thomas, Ph.D., dean of the School of Education, was particularly praised in the report.

“With the new dean's leadership, the unit has focused on a collaboration and investment in faculty development,” the report read. “Evidence from documents and interviews affirm that all stakeholders have a vested interest in the unit’s success. Moreover, the governance structures and budgets have reinforced these efforts and enhanced the unit as a model education preparation program.”

“When it comes to preparing educators who are ready to address the complexities found in today’s schools, it is the passion and commitment of our faculty that makes the difference,” Walther-Thomas said. “This NCATE accreditation, along with being ranked 20th nationwide for our graduate education programs by U.S. News & World Report, is further evidence of our tireless dedication to students and ongoing efforts to ensure the quality of our programs.”

Members of NCATE and the Virginia Department of Education interviewed nearly 150 people — from area principals and student teachers to university center directors and supervisors — during the reaccreditation process.