College of Education and Human Development

Accredited Educator Preparation

George Mason University Recognized for National Excellence in Educator Prep

George Mason one of 238 total providers in the U.S. meeting rigorous CAEP Accreditation Standards to better prepare the teachers of tomorrow

WASHINGTON – The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) announced today that George Mason University is to receive accreditation for its initial-licensure educator preparation programs.

The College of Education and Human Development houses 14 accredited initial licensure educator preparation programs, in addition to three within the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

“CAEP accreditation is an important national recognition of the quality of our educator preparation programs,” said Dean Mark Ginsberg of Mason’s College of Education and Human Development. “Earning accreditation signifies the respect for our academic programs and recognizes the accomplishments of our outstanding faculty and students. We are very pleased to receive the highest level of accreditation with a term of seven years without any identified areas for improvement.”

CAEP is the sole nationally recognized accrediting body for educator preparation. Accreditation is a nongovernmental activity based on peer review that serves the dual functions of assuring quality and promoting improvement. CAEP was created by the consolidation of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council. George Mason University’s educator preparation programs were previously accredited by NCATE.

“This accomplishment could not have been possible without the monumental collegial and collaborative efforts of our many CAEP-related working groups, academic programs, faculty and staff,” Ginsberg said. “We are grateful to our school division partners, alumni, and students who shared experiences that illustrate the impact of our programs.”

George Mason University is one of 42 providers from 23 states and the District of Columbia to be accredited in the spring 2019 review by the CAEP Accreditation Council.

“These institutions meet high standards so that their students receive an education that prepares them to succeed in a diverse range of classrooms after they graduate,” said CAEP President Dr. Christopher A. Koch. “Seeking CAEP Accreditation is a significant commitment on the part of an educator preparation provider.”

The following initial licensure educator preparation programs were part of this successful CAEP accreditation review:
Early Childhood Special Education
Early Childhood Education PK-3
Elementary Education
International Elementary Education
International ESOL Education PK-12
Foreign Language
Health and Physical Education
Music Education
Secondary English
Secondary History and Social Studies
Secondary Mathematics
Secondary Science (Earth Science, Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
Special Education Adapted Curriculum
Special Education General Curriculum
Special Education Visual Impairment
Theatre Arts Education
Art Education

###

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) inspires undergraduate and graduate students to promote learning and development across the life span. Innovative, inclusive, and cutting-edge, the college and its two schools (Graduate School of Education and School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism) prepare professionals who improve lives and make a difference for our community and for the world. The college is a nationally recognized leader in educator preparation, special education, counseling, and school leadership, and is home to 11 centers engaged in groundbreaking research. With our record of achievement and scholarship, CEHD is ranked among U.S. News and World Report’s Top 50 best education schools in the country. Visit cehd.gmu.edu/teacher to learn more.

The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (www.CAEPnet.org) advances excellence in educator preparation through evidence-based accreditation that assures quality and supports continuous improvement to strengthen P-12 student learning.