GC College of Education recognized for national excellence

The John H. Lounsbury College of Education at Georgia College & State University is among 35 newly accredited programs recognized for national excellence.  

The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) identified the group of 35 education providers in their spring 2022 review. This makes Georgia College one of 471 total providers in the U.S., District of Columbia and Puerto Rico to meet the rigorous CAEP Accreditation Standards. The standards were developed to ensure excellence in educator preparation programs.  

“Our students and instructors should be very proud of the work they are doing,” said Dr. Joseph Peters, dean of the College of Education. “We’ve set a very high bar for our teacher prep program and CAEP accreditation validates the hard work we are doing.”  

Georgia College was the only school in the state to receive this accreditation in the spring. It’s one of four universities in Georgia to earn CAEP Accreditation.  

“Our students and their families are investing in an education program that is designated as nationally accredited for teacher preparation and recognized to better prepare the teachers of tomorrow,” Peters said. 

To pass peer review of the CAEP standards, educator preparation providers must show solid evidence their graduates are competent and caring educators. They must also show a culture of evidence used to maintain and enhance the quality and professionalism of the program. 

“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 College of Education was previously accredited by NCATE (National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education). In 2010, the nation’s two premier accrediting organizations — NCATE and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC) — merged to become CAEP.  

CAEP makes regular updates to its educator preparation standards. The most recent changes in 2020 reflected a commitment to equity and diversity and place an emphasis on the importance of technology in preparing future educators.