The Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) has awarded full seven-year accreditation to the initial and advanced education programs at Mount St. Mary’s University.
After reviewing the evidence collected through a process of self-study and peer review, the AAQEP Accreditation Commission issued the decision at its March 24 meeting. The Commission commended the program for its high level of engagement with stakeholders, cultivating authentic and mutually beneficial relationships that inform program adjustments and embody their deep commitment to candidate success. The Commission also commended the program on its system of continuous support for completers in the field in collaboration with P-12 partners.
“Congratulations to Mount St. Mary’s University and to all of the faculty, staff, and stakeholders who have achieved their goal of national accreditation by AAQEP,” said AAQEP President and CEO Mark LaCelle-Peterson. “The program engages deeply with partners to ensure that its programs address local needs effectively and maintains strong connections with its graduates to support their ongoing success in the field.”
The Mount has prepared educators for more than 100 years and currently offers seven undergraduate, four certificate, and five graduate programs. The school is known for its rigorous programs and close interactions between faculty and students. These relationships continue after students graduate. The “Tiers of Continuous Support” program practice provides support to alumni educators and strengthens the education system surrounding the Mount and beyond.
Dean of the School of Education Barbara Marinak, Ph.D., proudly noted that the Mount is believed to be the first AAQEP-accredited university to receive two commendations. “I greatly appreciate the faculty, staff, administrators, mentors and supervisors who work tirelessly on behalf of our students. Every one of our faculty members contributed to writing and rewriting the accreditation self-study report. I’d especially like to recognize Director of Teacher Education Stacey Brown-Hobbs, Ph.D., C’85, who led this accreditation effort.”
National accreditation assures the quality of professional preparation programs through a nongovernmental, nonregulator 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 33 states and other jurisdictions with over 180 educator preparation providers participating in the accreditation system.