Minneapolis—May 14, 2012—Walden University announced today that The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership has received accreditation by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). NCATE accreditation, the recognized standard of excellence in professional education for the preparation of teachers, administrators and other preK–12 education professionals, indicates that the college has met rigorous standards set by the profession and members of the public.
“Receiving NCATE accreditation is a significant milestone in Walden’s more than 40-year history of educating educators. This important achievement strengthens our resolve to foster a dynamic and diverse network of educators who positively impact student achievement, drive change and influence the future of education,” said Dr. Cynthia Baum, president of Walden University.
NCATE, which helps establish high-quality teacher, specialist and administrator preparation, is a voluntary accreditation and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation as an accrediting body for schools, colleges and departments of education. NCATE is composed of more than 30 professional and policymaker organizations that assess six standards, including educator knowledge, skills and professional dispositions; the college’s assessment system and evaluation; field experiences and clinical practice; diversity; faculty qualifications, performance and development; and governance and resources.
“Walden is a driving force in preK through 12 education, whose proud legacy of bringing quality, accessible education to our invaluable teachers, administrators and other education professionals is very strong. I congratulate the university for seeking and earning NCATE accreditation, and I am confident Walden will continue preparing future generations of educators to make a profound difference in our nation’s classrooms, schools and districts,” said Richard W. Riley, the former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education for whom the college is named.
The Riley College of Education and Leadership is dedicated to improving educator effectiveness and preparing educators to make a positive impact on student achievement. The college awarded the fourth-highest number of TEACH Grants to students nationwide in 2010–2011, according to the U.S. Department of Education, and is the choice of more than 52,000 students and alumni, including more than 60 state teachers of the year.
“Educators are critical to the advancement and success of our society. NCATE accreditation reaffirms Walden’s commitment to supporting the development of education professionals so they, in turn, can support the development of their own students and learning communities,” said Dr. Kate Steffens, dean of the Riley College of Education and Leadership.
From the teacher preparation program to doctoral degree programs, the college supports the needs of educators at all levels, at every phase of their careers. The college is a proud alliance partner of the National Education Association (NEA) Academy and a year-round sponsor of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). For more information about degree programs in the Riley College of Education and Leadership, visit www.WaldenU.edu/education.
About Walden University
For more than 40 years, Walden University has supported working professionals in achieving their academic goals and making a greater impact in their professions and their communities. Today, more than 48,500 students from all 50 states and more than 140 countries are pursuing their bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees online at Walden. The university provides students with an engaging educational experience that connects them with expert faculty and peers around the world. Walden is the flagship online university in the Laureate International Universities network—a global network of more than 55 campus-based and online universities in 28 countries.
Walden offers more than 65 degree programs with more than 330 specializations and concentrations. Areas of study include health sciences, counseling, human services, management, psychology, education, public health, nursing, public administration and information technology. For more information, visit www.WaldenU.edu. Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.hlcommission.org.