NCATE Accredited Schools

Considering a career as a teacher? As you compare Online Masters in Education, some have an extra component: accreditation by NCATE. NCATE is the acronym of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, the independent, professional accrediting organization for U.S. schools, colleges, and departments of education. Enrolling in a program accredited by NCATE has definite benefits for your professional development.

NCATE Accredited Online Masters in Education Degrees:

Below is a listing of some of the most popular masters degree in education that are  NCATE accredited.  All are offered by top ranked, regionally accredited schools.

NCATE Requirements for Accreditation

To earn NCATE accreditation, a teacher education program must have a solid conceptual framework and meet national standards in six areas related to teacher preparation. The conceptual framework is the philosophical backbone of the program, describing what that institution believes teachers should know and be able to do. Having a common framework for teaching and learning ensures that all participants in the teacher education program are “on the same page.” NCATE-accredited education masters programs have also met national standards addressing the knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions needed for teaching; assessment of the program and its graduates; appropriateness of field experiences; understanding of diversity; faculty qualifications, performance, and development; and adequacy of resources. Let’s take a look at how each of these standards is relevant to your education and career.

Standard 1: Knowledge, Skills, and Professional Dispositions

A good teacher has a solid understanding of the subject matter (e.g., Biology, English), and NCATE accreditation indicates the courses you take meet or exceed the national standards for the content areas. However, having knowledge in a content area is not enough. Teachers also need to know how to teach those subjects and possess the inter- and intra-personal characteristics that make someone a good teacher. Institutions with NCATE accreditation have identified courses and opportunities that help you develop the pedagogical skills and professional dispositions to become a good teacher. You learn how to help others learn effectively.

Standard 2: Assessment System

Even the best programs can be improved, so NCATE-accredited institutions engage in a pattern of continual self-assessment. The faculty analyze data regarding applicants, current students, and graduates from the program, looking for ways to strengthen both student performance and the overall teacher education program. NCATE accreditation signals a willingness to examine current practice and a desire for excellence among the faculty, characteristics that will also be expected of you as a teacher.

Standard 3: Well-Planned Field Experiences

Prospective teachers need structured opportunities to apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations. NCATE accreditation ensures that you will have a variety of experiences working with children, typically beginning with observation of master teachers and culminating with an internship where you demonstrate your ability to provide the instruction to a group of learners. Having these types of experiences enables you to develop and put into practice skills you will use through your career as a teacher.

Standard 4: Diversity

An NCATE-accredited program has a curriculum that reflects the belief that all students can learn and shows you techniques for teaching students with different backgrounds or experience levels. You will gain experience working with diverse populations, both at college and in local classrooms, as well demonstrate an understanding and value of the role of diversity in education.

Standard 5: Faculty Qualifications, Performance, and Development

Research indicates that teachers often teach like they are taught. NCATE accreditation signifies you will study with faculty who have expertise in their content areas and are modeling the best professional practices in their scholarship and teaching. The practical application of knowledge is one of the most difficult aspects of teaching. Having good role models can help you master this skill.

Standard 6: Resources for Teaching and Learning

Education is expensive, and necessary tools for teaching are constantly changing. Institutions with NCATE accreditation have the leadership, personnel, facilities, and resources, including information technology resources, to prepare prospective teachers to meet the standards. Institutions are required to demonstrate that these resources are ongoing, and that there is a replacement plan for equipment, so you are not using outdated materials.

NCATE Programs = Quality

Finally, the most important significant aspect of NCATE accreditation may be this: NCATE accreditation indicates the faculty practice the intellectual rigor and work ethic they will require from you. Choosing to go through the accreditation process is voluntary, and accreditation is not permanent. Institutions must undergo a review every five to seven years to ensure continued excellence. The review requires a compilation of data gathered since the previous review and an extensive campus visit by a team of expert, external reviewers. After the visit, the review team recommends continuing accreditation or gives the school a list of things that need to be improved for the school to keep their accreditation status. It is this pattern of continued excellence and external review that guarantees your educational preparation contains the types of experiences that will enable you to become the teacher you’ve always wanted to be.

Masters of Education:

There are numerous options when choosing a  masters degree in education.  It is critically important as a prospective student that you review each aspect of the degree program you are selecting from tuition, to accreditation, majors offered and more to certain that you have chosen the one that is right for your career. Below is a listing of options:

  • Music Education Degree
  • Special Education Degree
  • Literacy Degree
  • Art Education Degree
  • Educational Leadership Degree
  • NCATE Accredited Schools

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