MOBILE, Ala. – Inspirational professors, 100% pass rates on teacher exams and collaborative partnerships throughout the community are just a few reasons the University of Mobile School of Education has been recognized for national excellence by the prestigious Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
The UM School of Education was awarded accreditation recently for meeting or exceeding rigorous, nationally recognized standards developed by CAEP to ensure excellence in educator preparation programs.
‘Proof of Superior Quality’
“Earning CAEP accreditation is proof of the superior quality of the University of Mobile’s educator training programs,” said Dr. Joyce Woodburn, retiring dean of the School of Education who led the university’s accreditation team.
“The highly collaborative nature of our faculty means we work as a team to ensure our pre-service teachers know their subjects and have the clinical training that enables them to enter the classroom ready to teach effectively.”
100% Pass Rates
Dr. Ashley Milner, incoming dean of the UM School of Education, said the Christian university has an exceptional track record for preparing generations of educators. That includes excellent results on tests required for graduates to earn initial teacher certification in Alabama.
The School of Education maintains a 100% pass rate on the Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA) for graduates, and 100% of Early Childhood and Elementary majors exceed the minimum passing score on their first attempt.
“The amazing faculty in the School of Education works as a cohesive team to ensure that our students are prepared for a career in teaching. We value the collaborative partnerships we have established with local schools, educational organizations and the community. The support of these partners is vital to the success of our students,” Milner said.
‘Truly Inspirational’ Faculty
One of those students is May 2024 graduate Brinkley Hearn, a student-athlete on UM’s volleyball teams who graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Hearn also received the university’s top honor for a graduating female student, the Annie Boyd Parker Weaver Award.
Hearn starts her career in education this fall as a 4th grade teacher at Saraland Elementary School. She described her experience as a student in the University of Mobile School of Education as “truly remarkable” and her professors as “truly inspirational.”
“Their unwavering faith and dedication to both academic excellence and spiritual growth provided a profound impact on my journey as an educator. I am grateful for the solid foundation I received in the School of Education, which continues to guide me in my career with confidence and competence,” Hearn said.
“The supportive environment and engaging curriculum cultivated my passion for teaching, shaping me into the educator I am today. From interactive classrooms to hands-on teaching opportunities, every aspect of the program prepared me for the challenges of modern education.”
Apply Now
The University of Mobile is accepting applications now for students interested in earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the School of Education. Prospective students who visit campus, apply and enroll may earn a visit scholarship, and additional scholarships are still available for students enrolling for fall semester. Schedule a campus visit at umobile.edu/visit. Apply now at umobile.edu/apply.
UM Prepares Students to Succeed
UM was among 38 providers from 17 states, the District of Columbia, Bahrain and Oman to receive accreditation in the Spring 2024 review by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
“These institutions meet high standards so that their students receive an education that prepares them to succeed in a diverse range of classrooms after they graduate,” said CAEP President Dr. Christopher A. Koch. “Seeking CAEP Accreditation is a significant commitment on the part of an educator preparation provider.”
Educator preparation providers seeking accreditation must pass peer review of the CAEP standards, which are based on two principles:
- Solid evidence that the provider’s graduates are competent and caring educators, and
- Solid evidence that the provider’s educator staff have the capacity to create a culture of evidence and use it to maintain and enhance the quality of the professional programs they offer.
CAEP is a nationally recognized accrediting body for educator preparation and accredits providers at the initial and advanced levels. Accreditation is a nongovernmental activity based on peer review that serves the dual functions of assuring quality and promoting improvement. CAEP is a unified accreditation system intent on raising the performance of all institutions focused on educator preparation.
About the University of Mobile
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, the university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs.The University of Mobile was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention.
For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.
Kathy Dean uses her passion for storytelling and “playing with words” to share the stories of people, place and purpose that make the University of Mobile unique. As associate vice president for university communications, she manages media relations, edits the TorchLight alumni magazine, and oversees university communications. A former award-winning journalist, she is a two-time recipient of the Baptist Communicators Association grand prize for feature writing. Kathy and her husband, Chuck, live with three extremely loud miniature schnauzers.