The accreditation speaks to the quality of PreK-12 teacher preparation programs as California University of Pennsylvania prepares for integration.
Education programs at California University of Pennsylvania have been accredited by CAEP, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, for the next seven years.
Accreditation is a “seal of approval” that assures quality in teacher education, demonstrating that teacher candidates have the knowledge and skills to teach effectively.
Programs seeking CAEP accreditation must demonstrate that they meet rigorous standards in areas such as candidate quality, subject matter expertise, knowledge of learner development, professional standards, quality assurance, and creating a safe and supportive learning environment.
Cal U’s accreditation is effective between Fall 2021 and Fall 2028, when CAEP accreditors will re-examine the programs as part of their ongoing review.
Historic mission
Teacher preparation has been at the heart of California’s mission since its founding in 1852. Education programs at California have been accredited since 1954 by NCATE, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, which unified with another accrediting body to form CAEP.
Cal U’s initial and advanced accreditation from CAEP includes all its education programs, from preschool through grade 12.
“As a former dean of education, I understand the complexity and hard work that has gone into this accomplishment,” said Dr. Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson, interim president of California University.
“Education is a founding program at California, and it will remain a core program when we integrate with Clarion and Edinboro universities in July 2022. This accreditation speaks volumes about the exemplary programs we offer.”
Cal U offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs for aspiring teachers of early childhood, elementary, secondary and special needs students. A Professional Development Schools collaborative gives teacher candidates ample opportunities to develop their teaching skills in classrooms throughout the region, beginning in their freshman year.
Graduate programs at Cal U also prepare educators for leadership roles as principals and school superintendents.
For more information about education programs at Cal U, visit www.calu.edu/academics.