Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation CAEP

Overview

The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) is the sole national accreditor for educator preparation providers (EPPs) in the United States. Established in 2013 through the merger of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC), CAEP is a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. Its primary mission is to advance excellence in educator preparation through evidence-based accreditation that assures quality and supports continuous improvement to strengthen P-12 student learning.

History and Legal Framework

CAEP was created following the October 2010 decision by the boards of NCATE and TEAC to consolidate their operations. The merger aimed to streamline and enhance the accreditation process for educator preparation programs. CAEP became operational on July 1, 2013, and has since served as the sole accrediting body for educator preparation in the United States recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the U.S. Department of Education.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives in Higher Education

CAEP's mission is to advance equity and excellence in educator preparation through evidence-based accreditation that assures quality and supports continuous improvement to strengthen P-12 student learning. The organization's objectives include:

• Ensuring that educator preparation programs meet rigorous standards of quality.
• Promoting continuous improvement within EPPs to enhance educational outcomes.
• Providing a transparent and accountable accreditation process.
• Supporting the development of effective educators who are prepared to meet the diverse needs of students.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

CAEP operates as an independent, nonprofit organization governed by a board of directors. The board comprises leaders from higher education, K-12 education, and other relevant sectors. The Accreditation Council, a key body within CAEP, determines the accreditation status of EPPs and appoints volunteers to serve in roles related to the accreditation process. This governance structure ensures that CAEP's operations are aligned with its mission and objectives, maintaining transparency and accountability in its accreditation activities.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

CAEP's accreditation process involves a comprehensive review of educator preparation programs to assess their adherence to established standards. The accreditation cycle includes the submission of a Self-Study Report by the EPP, followed by a site visit and evaluation by a team of peer reviewers. The standards for accreditation cover areas such as:

• Content and pedagogical knowledge of candidates.
• Clinical partnerships and practice.
• Candidate quality and selectivity.
• Satisfaction with preparation.
• Quality assurance system and continuous improvement.
• Fiscal and administrative capacity.
• Compliance with Title IV of the Higher Education Act.

These standards are designed to ensure that EPPs prepare candidates who are effective educators capable of improving student learning outcomes.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

While CAEP primarily accredits programs within the United States, it also extends its accreditation services to international educator preparation providers. International institutions seeking CAEP accreditation must meet all of CAEP's standards and policies; however, in some cases, adaptations may be made to accommodate national or cultural differences while preserving the integrity of the CAEP process. This international engagement allows CAEP to promote high standards of educator preparation globally and fosters cross-cultural collaboration in education.

Current and Future Impact on Higher Education

As of 2025, CAEP continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of educator preparation in the United States and internationally. Its rigorous accreditation process ensures that educator preparation programs maintain high standards, leading to the development of competent and effective educators. Looking forward, CAEP aims to further enhance its impact by expanding its international reach, refining its accreditation standards to address emerging educational challenges, and supporting continuous improvement within educator preparation programs.

Summary

The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation is a critical entity in the field of educator preparation. Through its rigorous and evidence-based accreditation process, CAEP ensures that educator preparation programs meet high standards of quality, thereby contributing to the development of effective educators who can positively impact student learning outcomes. Its commitment to continuous improvement and international collaboration underscores its dedication to advancing excellence in educator preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is CAEP?
  CAEP is the sole national accreditor for educator preparation providers in the United States, ensuring that educator preparation programs meet high standards of quality.
• How many institutions are accredited by CAEP?
  As of 2025, CAEP accredits nearly 600 educator preparation providers across the United States and internationally.
• Does CAEP provide accreditation for programs outside the United States?
  Yes, CAEP offers accreditation to international educator preparation providers that meet its standards and policies.
• What are the benefits of CAEP accreditation?
  CAEP accreditation assures that educator preparation programs are of high quality, leading to the preparation of effective educators capable of improving student learning outcomes.
• How can an institution apply for CAEP accreditation?
  Institutions can initiate the accreditation process by visiting CAEP's official website and following the guidelines provided for application.

Organization Name

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Acronym

CAEP

Year of Establishment

1/01/2013

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA); U.S. Department of Education

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

655

Address

1140 19th St NW, Suite 40
Washington
20036 District of Columbia United States

Phone

+1 (202) 223 007

Fax

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

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Instagram

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Wikipedia Article

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation's Wikipedia article

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