HPU School of Education earns national ranking
Photo by Devon Wilkinson
By Edward Lennon//Staff Writer
In December 2016, the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) evaluated more than 800 undergraduate education programs. The council found that High Point University’s undergraduate elementary program ranks nationally in the top 10 percent.
According to the Dean of the School of Education, Dr. Mariann Tillery, and the school’s professors, they aim to produce quality educators that are well prepared to become outstanding and prominent public school teachers.
“The ranking is based on a thorough review of evidence regarding the quality of the courses and content taught by our elementary faculty,” Tillery said. “The strength of our partnerships with the public schools and opportunities provided by the School of Education for our students to engage in clinical practice in the classroom [also contributed to the ranking.]”
At HPU, the education programs meet the requirements for both the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the North Carolina State Board of Education.
One opportunity that HPU offers its education majors is the opportunity to gain classroom experience early on in their college careers. Students are able to volunteer at local school districts to improve their classroom skills. Advanced study through the Elementary B.A. to M.Ed. program with concentrations in literacy or STEM is also available for academically qualified students beginning their senior year.
The School of Education offers four different majors: elementary education, health & PE, middle grades education and special education. The school also offers four minors: educational studies, athletic coaching, health education and special education, as well as several master degree options and a doctoral degree in educational leadership.