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

Posted on June 11, 2026

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

LAKEWOOD, Colo. - The undergraduate elementary teacher preparation program at Colorado Christian University has earned an A from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) for how well it prepares future teachers to teach reading to elementary students.

Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts with Elementary Education Licensure: A

The report, Teacher Prep Review: Decoding Progress in Reading Preparation, published on June 9, spotlights Colorado Christian University for meeting the standards set by literacy experts for coverage of the most effective methods of reading instruction. Specifically, this means the program is preparing aspiring teachers in all five components of scientifically based reading instruction, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary, while avoiding many instructional practices that research has shown to be ineffective or counterproductive for teaching children to read.

A child's ability to read proficiently in the early grades shapes everything that comes next in school and in life, yet according to NAEP data, one in three fourth graders in Colorado cannot read at a basic level. Teacher preparation is one of the most direct levers available to change that, but only if it is aligned with the research-based instructional methods that have been proven to help most students become successful readers.

Colorado Christian University is part of a growing group of teacher preparation programs nationwide helping transform how future teachers are trained to teach reading.

"At Colorado Christian University, we believe excellent teaching changes lives," said Dr. David Corbin, CCU provost. "This recognition from NCTQ affirms the commitment of our faculty to prepare future educators with the knowledge, skills, and evidence-based practices necessary to help every child become a confident reader. We are proud that our elementary education program equips graduates to enter the classroom ready to make an immediate and lasting impact on students, families, and communities. Preparing teachers who can unlock the gift of literacy is one of the most meaningful ways we can serve the next generation."

The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts with Elementary Education Licensure prepares students to become effective educators through rigorous academic coursework, practical classroom experience, and a Christ-centered approach to teaching and learning. Graduates are equipped to meet the needs of diverse learners while fostering academic excellence, character development, and lifelong learning.

"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 Colorado Christian University is demonstrating what strong preparation can look like."

NCTQ's methodology is informed by a panel of reading experts, teacher preparation faculty, reading advocates, and measurement experts. To evaluate the quality of preparation being provided, a team of experts at NCTQ analyzed syllabi, including lecture schedules and topics, background reading materials, class assessments, assignments, and opportunities to practice instruction in required literacy courses for elementary teacher candidates at Colorado Christian University.

To earn an "A," programs needed to demonstrate that coursework for future elementary teachers includes all five core components of scientifically based reading instruction and avoid teaching more than three instructional methods that are unsupported by the research on effective reading instruction.

"Reading is the foundation for all future learning, and teachers play a critical role in helping students build that foundation," said Dr. Debora L. Scheffel, dean and professor in the School of Education. "Earning an A from NCTQ reflects our School of Education's dedication to preparing teacher candidates in the science of reading through rigorous coursework, practical application, and a commitment to educational excellence. We are honored to be recognized for a program that prepares graduates to serve students effectively, foster academic success, and help every learner reach their God-given potential."

See NCTQ's report, Teacher Prep Review: Decoding Progress in Reading Preparation, for more information about Colorado Christian University's coverage of the science of reading and to see how CCU compares to other programs in Colorado and across the country.

About Colorado Christian University

Founded in 1914, Colorado Christian University is the flagship Christian university in the Rocky Mountain region. Located in Lakewood, Colorado, a suburb of Denver, CCU serves more than 17,000 students through its College of Undergraduate Studies, College of Adult and Graduate Studies, and CCU Academy, offering more than 200 academic program options on its traditional campus and online. Recognized among the top two percent of colleges nationwide for its core curriculum by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni, CCU is committed to Christ-centered higher education that transforms students to impact the world with grace and truth. CCU competes in NCAA Division II athletics as a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. For more information, visit www.ccu.edu.

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. NCTQ believes a strong, diverse teacher workforce is critical for providing all students with equitable educational opportunities. For more information, visit www.nctq.org.