St. Mary’s College of Maryland’s teacher preparation program has earned national accreditation for the first time.
The Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation, known as AAQEP, granted initial five-year accreditation to the college’s Master of Arts in Teaching program, the college announced Oct. 14. The AAQEP Accreditation Commission approved it at its Aug. 4 meeting. It found the program meets all four of the association’s standards, with no concerns or conditions.
It is the first time any St. Mary’s College teacher education program has received national accreditation, the college said. The program must host its next site visit by June 30, 2031.
For Southern Maryland, the program is a nearby route into the classroom. Graduates qualify for initial Maryland teaching credentials in 18 areas: elementary education, special education, science, math, English, history and social studies, world languages, music, art and theater, among others.
The program also fills two niches. The college says it is the only program in Maryland to offer a combined elementary and environmental education program. It is one of the only programs to offer licensure in environmental science.
“This national accreditation affirms the quality and rigor of educator preparation at St. Mary’s College,” said Katherine Gantz, Ph.D., the college’s provost and dean of faculty. “It reflects the dedication of our faculty and staff, the strength of our school and community partnerships, and our commitment to preparing skilled, adaptable educators who can meet the evolving needs of Maryland’s students and classrooms.”
What reviewers found
Accreditation came after a self-study and a peer review. According to the college, AAQEP found the program prepares candidates to work effectively as professional educators, adapt to different settings and keep growing professionally. The commission also cited the college’s steady monitoring and support of its teaching candidates, its use of evidence to improve the program and its work with school and community partners.
“Congratulations to St. Mary’s College of Maryland and to all of the faculty, staff and stakeholders who have achieved their goal of national accreditation by AAQEP,” said Karen Lowenstein, Ph.D., AAQEP’s president and CEO. “The program facilitates purposeful continuous improvement through intentional and transparent communication with and regular participation of faculty and staff in these efforts.”
AAQEP was founded in 2017. It is a membership association and accrediting agency for educator preparation programs, recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Its process stresses accountability, continuous improvement and responsiveness to local needs.
The college’s AAQEP accreditation action report is posted by its Educational Studies department.
The accreditation comes in the second year of Rhonda Phillips’ presidency. St. Mary’s College, the state’s public honors college, enrolls about 1,650 students on the St. Mary’s River.
