Teacher Education Accreditation Council, Accreditation Committee TEAC

Overview

The Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC) is a United States-based accrediting body dedicated to enhancing the quality of teacher education programs. Established in 1997, TEAC's mission is to ensure that educator preparation programs (EPPs) produce competent, caring, and qualified professional educators. The organization employs a rigorous, evidence-based accreditation process that includes on-site visits, interviews with faculty and students, and comprehensive reviews of program materials and documentation. This process provides external validation of the quality of teacher education programs and assists institutions in identifying areas for improvement.

History and Legal Framework

Founded in 1997, TEAC was established as an alternative to traditional accreditation models, emphasizing a focus on student learning and an evidence-based audit method. Its review process is supported by detailed protocols, well-defined visits, and a strict separation between the auditor role and the summative evaluation role. Programs seeking accreditation must meet standards that focus on student learning and its use for academic planning and improvement, allowing institutions the flexibility to select the evidence they use in making their claims.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives in Higher Education

TEAC's mission is to improve academic degree and certificate programs for professional educators—those who teach and lead in schools, pre-K through grade 12. The organization aims to assure the public of the quality of educator preparation programs through a rigorous accreditation process that evaluates the effectiveness of programs in preparing educators. By focusing on evidence of student learning and program improvement, TEAC seeks to enhance the overall quality of teacher education in the United States.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

TEAC operates as an independent accrediting body, governed by a board of directors that provides strategic direction and oversight. The organization maintains a rigorous and transparent governance structure to ensure the integrity and credibility of its accreditation process. The board is responsible for setting policies, approving accreditation standards, and overseeing the accreditation process. TEAC's independence allows it to make objective decisions based on the evidence presented by educator preparation programs.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

TEAC plays a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the quality of teacher education in the United States through its accreditation process. The organization accredits undergraduate and graduate programs, including alternative route programs, based on evidence that they prepare competent, caring, and qualified professional educators. The accreditation process involves a thorough review of program design, faculty qualifications, curriculum, field experiences, and student outcomes. By providing external validation, TEAC helps institutions identify areas for improvement and ensures that accredited programs meet high standards of quality.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

While TEAC primarily focuses on accrediting educator preparation programs within the United States, it collaborates with various international organizations to promote the quality of teacher education globally. Through these collaborations, TEAC shares best practices, engages in mutual learning, and contributes to the development of international standards for educator preparation. These partnerships enhance TEAC's ability to support continuous improvement in teacher education both domestically and internationally.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

TEAC continues to influence higher education by promoting the integration of evidence-based practices in educator preparation programs. Its accreditation process encourages institutions to focus on student learning outcomes and program effectiveness, leading to continuous improvement in teacher education. Looking forward, TEAC aims to expand its impact by accrediting a broader range of programs, including those in emerging fields and alternative certification pathways, thereby contributing to the development of a diverse and highly qualified educator workforce.

Summary

The Teacher Education Accreditation Council is a key accrediting body in the United States, dedicated to enhancing the quality of teacher education programs through a rigorous, evidence-based accreditation process. By focusing on student learning outcomes and program effectiveness, TEAC helps institutions improve their programs and ensures that educator preparation programs meet high standards of quality. Its independent governance and commitment to continuous improvement position TEAC as a leader in the field of teacher education accreditation.

FAQs

• What is the Teacher Education Accreditation Council?

  The Teacher Education Accreditation Council is a United States-based accrediting body that evaluates and accredits educator preparation programs to ensure they produce competent, caring, and qualified professional educators.

• When was TEAC established?

  TEAC was established in 1997 as an alternative to traditional accreditation models, emphasizing a focus on student learning and an evidence-based audit method.

• What does TEAC's accreditation process involve?

  TEAC's accreditation process includes on-site visits, interviews with faculty and students, and comprehensive reviews of program materials and documentation to assess the effectiveness of educator preparation programs.

• How does TEAC ensure the quality of accredited programs?

  TEAC ensures quality by evaluating programs based on evidence of student learning and program improvement, allowing institutions the flexibility to select the evidence they use in making their claims.

• Does TEAC collaborate with international organizations?

  Yes, TEAC collaborates with various international organizations to promote the quality of teacher education globally, sharing best practices and contributing to the development of international standards for educator preparation.

Organization Name

Teacher Education Accreditation Council, Accreditation Committee

Acronym

TEAC

Year of Establishment

1/01/1997

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

9

Address

One Dupont Circle, Suite 320
Washington
20036 District of Columbia United States

Phone

+1 (202) 466 7236

Fax

+1 (202) 831 3013

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Not available

X (Twitter)

Not available

LinkedIn

Not available

YouTube

Not available

Instagram

Not available

Wikipedia Article

Not available

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