The Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) has awarded a five-year initial accreditation to the educator preparation programs at Southeast Missouri State University.
After reviewing the evidence collected through a process of self-study and peer review, the AAQEP Accreditation Commission issued the decision at its February meeting. The Commission found SEMO’s program prepares candidates to work effectively as professional educators who can adapt to different contexts and continue to grow professionally, and the University engages with stakeholders and partners to strengthen the P-20 education system.
“Earning AAQEP accreditation for our Educator Preparation Programs at SEMO signifies our unwavering commitment to excellence in the preparation of teachers, school counselors and administration,” said Buddy Alberson, associate dean of educator preparation at SEMO. “It ensures that our programs meet rigorous standards for quality, accountability and continuous improvement. Ultimately producing highly effective educators who are well-prepared to make a lasting impact in classrooms, schools, and communities.”
National accreditation assures the quality of professional preparation programs through a nongovernmental, nonregulatory process of self-study and peer review. This standards-and evidence-based process serves two broad aims: accountability and continuous improvement. The AAQEP model is also designed to honor local context and foster innovation and collaboration among institutions. AAQEP currently has members in 36 states and territories with over 200 educator preparation providers participating in the accreditation system.
SEMO’s Educator Preparation programs were previously accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The decision to transition to a new accrediting body was driven by SEMO’s goal of fostering stronger connections within the educator preparation community.
“We found that AAQEP’s emphasis on collaboration and professional networking aligned well with our vision for SEMO’s Educator Preparation Program,” Alberson said. “Their approach allows us to engage more meaningfully with other institutions and continuously refine our programs to better serve future educators.”
To learn more about educator preparation, visit semo.edu/edprep.