Dr. Bill Estes
The Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation has awarded five-year initial accreditation to the educator preparation programs at Lee University’s Helen DeVos College of Education.
After reviewing the evidence collected through a process of self-study and peer review, the AAQEP Accreditation Commission issued the decision at its June meeting.
“We are honored to receive national accreditation from AAQEP, which affirms the exceptional quality of our educator preparation programs and the dedication of our faculty and staff,” said Dr. Bill Estes, dean of the Helen DeVos College of Education. “This recognition not only validates our commitment to excellence and innovation in preparing future educators, but it also marks a historic moment as we become the first educator preparation program in Tennessee to achieve this distinction.”
The Commission evaluated the program’s evidence for each AAQEP standard and determined that all four standards are met. The HDCOE prepares candidates to serve effectively as professional educators who can adapt to different contexts and continue to grow professionally. The HDCOE maintains program quality by analyzing evidence of its effectiveness and making revisions to benefit candidates. It has developed and fostered deep partnerships with local schools to support high-need students and expand the educator workforce to support the full P-20 education continuum, from prenatal through adulthood.
The Commission also reviewed the university’s plans for ongoing growth and improvement, based on the findings of the self-study, and affirmed the school’s commitment to continued growth.
“Congratulations to Lee University and to all of the faculty, staff, and stakeholders who have achieved their goal of national accreditation by AAQEP,” said AAQEP President and CEO Mark LaCelle-Peterson. “The school’s programs made a clear case for quality and demonstrated a commitment to cultivating strong partnerships and relationships with P-12 partners.”
All initial licensure programs in the HDCOE are accredited by AAQEP through 2030.
National accreditation assures the quality of professional preparation programs through a nongovernmental, nonregulatory process of self-study and peer review. This standards- and evidence-based process serves two broad aims: accountability and continuous improvement. AAQEP currently has members in 37 states and other jurisdictions with over 200 educator preparation providers participating in the accreditation system.
The HDCOE is dedicated to developing competent, compassionate, and ethical educators and leaders who are prepared to impact the world through excellence in teaching, learning, and service. The school offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in education, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to thrive in diverse educational settings.
Founded in 2017, AAQEP is a membership association and quality assurance agency that provides accreditation services and formative support to all types of educator preparation providers. The organization promotes excellent, effective, and innovative educator preparation that is committed to evidence-based improvement in a collaborative professional environment. AAQEP is nationally recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
For more information about AAQEP, visit aaqep.org.
For more information about the Helen DeVos College of Education, visit leeuniversity.edu/academics/education/.