National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education

The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) was founded in 1954 to accredit teacher certification programs at U.S. colleges and universities. NCATE is a council of educators created to ensure and raise the quality of preparation for their profession. NCATE is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as an accrediting institution. NCATE accreditation is specific to teacher education and is different from regional accreditation.

Founding Organizations

Five national education groups were instrumental in the creation of NCATE:

1. The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE, which formerly accredited teachers colleges),
2. The National Education Association (NEA),
3. The National School Boards Association (NSBA),
4. The National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC)
5. The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO).

Coalition of Organizations

Today NCATE is a coalition of 33 member organizations of teachers, teacher educators, content specialists, and local and state policy makers. All are committed to quality teaching, and together, the coalition represents over 3 million individuals. The professional associations that comprise NCATE also provide financial support and participate in the development of NCATE standards, policies, and procedures.

See also

• List of recognized accreditation associations of higher learning

External links

• NCATE Website for information and list of NCATE Accredited Institutions