Southeastern Earns National Recognition for Preparing Future Elementary Teachers in Science of Reading

DURANT, Okla. - The undergraduate elementary teacher preparation program at Southeastern Oklahoma State University has earned an A from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) for how well they prepare future teachers to teach reading to elementary students.

The recognition comes as part of NCTQ's Teacher Prep Review: Decoding Progress in Reading Preparation, released June 9, which evaluates how well teacher preparation programs align with research-based reading instruction practices. Southeastern's Bachelor of Science in elementary education program was recognized for meeting standards established by literacy experts for preparing aspiring teachers in the science of reading.

To earn an A, programs must demonstrate that coursework includes all five core components of scientifically based reading instruction: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and reading comprehension. Programs also must avoid teaching instructional methods that research has shown to be ineffective or counterproductive in helping children learn to read.

"The National Council on Teacher Quality annually conducts a rigorous review of elementary education programs by nationally recognized experts in the field," said Dr. Stewart Mayers, chair of the Department of Educational Instruction and Leadership and director of teacher education. "Dr. Susan Morrison, program coordinator of elementary education, along with Drs. Maribeth Nottingham, Chaehyun Lee and Kalyn McAlester, prepared extensive documentation of the content taught throughout the elementary education program for NCTQ reviewers, achieving a level of excellence few institutions reach."

Southeastern's elementary education degree program prepares teacher candidates to teach students in grades 1-8 through coursework focused on instructional strategies, curriculum development and classroom practice. Students also have the opportunity to pursue specialized areas of study aligned with their professional interests. Graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers as classroom teachers, school administrators and central office leaders in public education - one of Oklahoma's designated critical occupational fields.

"Every child deserves a teacher who has been well prepared to teach reading, and every teacher deserves the opportunity to enter the classroom ready to help students succeed," said NCTQ President Heather Peske. "Across the country, many teacher preparation programs still do not fully align with the science of reading, but Southeastern Oklahoma State University is demonstrating what strong preparation can look like."

About NCTQ
The National Council on Teacher Quality: NCTQ is a nonpartisan research and policy organization on a mission to ensure every child has access to an effective teacher and every teacher has the opportunity to be effective. We believe a strong, diverse teacher workforce is critical for providing all students with equitable educational opportunities. For more information about NCTQ, visit www.nctq.org.

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