UNF earns national recognition for preparing education students to teach reading

The University of North Florida's elementary teacher preparation program has earned an A+ rating from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ), placing it among a select group of programs nationwide recognized for excellence in preparing future educators to teach reading.

The recognition comes from NCTQ's latest report, which highlights UNF for exceeding literacy instruction standards by preparing teacher candidates in all five components of scientifically based reading instruction, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension, while avoiding instructional methods unsupported by research.

NCTQ's review of coursework, assessments and clinical experiences found that UNF's Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education program provides comprehensive, evidence-based preparation for teaching reading.

"Literacy is the foundation of learning, and UNF is proud to be preparing future educators using proven, research-based methods," said Dr. Angela Garcia Falconetti, UNF interim president. "This recognition from the National Council on Teacher Quality reflects the strength of our faculty, program and commitment to student success in every classroom they will one day lead."

This recognition arrives at a critical time for literacy education, with data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) showing that four in 10 Florida fourth graders cannot read at a basic level. Through its Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education program, UNF is helping address the challenge by preparing future teachers with the research-based knowledge and classroom experience needed to support young readers and improve literacy.

"We take great pride in creating strong educators to serve Northeast Florida and beyond," said Dr. Stephen Dittmore, Silverfield College of Education and Human Services dean. "Silverfield College graduates play an important role in ensuring children are proficient in reading comprehension, and we appreciate NCTQ's recognition of this achievement."

Learn more about UNF's Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education program, or review the full NCTQ report.