Henderson earns an A+ for teacher preparation program

Henderson State University’s undergraduate elementary teacher preparation program has been named among the best in the nation when it comes to ensuring future elementary teachers have the essential content and skills they need to teach mathematics.

The National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ), a national research and policy organization that regularly evaluates the core requirements and practices of more than 1,100 programs that prepare future elementary teachers, released a new report in which the undergraduate program at Henderson earned an A+ designation for its requirements in elementary mathematics.

Henderson is among only 79 programs in the nation to earn this distinction as an “exemplar” in the new report.

NCTQ evaluated programs for their coverage of both the key mathematics content that elementary teachers need: Numbers and Operations, Algebraic Thinking, Geometry and Measurement, and Data Analysis and Probability, as well as how to teach those concepts (Math Pedagogy). The recommended minimum instructional time that future elementary teachers need in these essential math topics was set based on guidance NCTQ received from teacher preparation programs, mathematicians, and math educators as part of an Expert Panel.

Henderson State University stands apart by meeting 100% of the instructional goals across each of the elementary mathematics topic areas.

“Teachers College has enjoyed a collaborative relationship with all programs within the university,” said Dr. Celya Taylor, Teachers College dean. “Together, we ensure that our graduates have the knowledge and skills required to positively impact K-12 students.

“Our current elementary math and methods courses have long provided a solid foundation for teachers across the state and region. We are grateful for the faculty who invest in students, and we are grateful for students and school districts who trust us to engage in quality teacher preparation.”

Dr. Heather Peske, NCTQ president, said, “We know how much math matters in setting a foundation for students. The biggest in-school difference we can make for students’ math learning is to make sure their elementary teachers understand key math content and know how to teach math effectively.

“Henderson State University should be proud to be among the top teacher preparation programs in the country working towards this goal.”