Seven-Year Extension for University of Southern Indiana’s Educator Preparation Program: A Commitment to Excellence and Equity in Education

The University of Southern Indiana’s Educator Preparation Program (EPP) has received a seven-year extension on its accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This recognition is a testament to the program’s commitment to excellence in teacher preparation, as well as its dedication to promoting equity and excellence in educator preparation through evidence-based accreditation.

The EPP is housed across two Colleges, the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education, and the College of Liberal Arts. It offers majors and minors such as elementary education, special education, early childhood education, mathematics, and history, among others. With CAEP’s goal to promote equity and excellence in educator preparation through evidence-based accreditation, this accreditation ensures quality and supports continuous improvement to enhance P-12 learning outcomes.

Dr. Tori Colson, Assistant Dean of the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education, and Interim Chair of Teacher Education expressed pride in the program’s national recognition. She emphasized a commitment to excellence in teacher preparation by saying “This renewal of accreditation is a mark of quality that demonstrates USI’s commitment to meeting rigorous standards and effectively preparing future educators for their classroom roles.”

Accreditation not only prepares students for careers in education but also encourages educator preparation programs to regularly assess themselves and analyze their effectiveness. Dr. William Elliott, Interim Dean of the Pott College of Science, Engineering