LINDSBORG – Bethany College's teacher education program has received accreditation from the Kansas State Board of Education.
The Bethany program received the accreditation on March 11 and will continue to be fully accredited until Dec. 31, 2027, according to information from the college.
The program received high praise from the accreditation team having met all standards required by CAEP, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, the college noted. The accreditation review occurs every seven years, and ensures the quality of the education program leading to teacher licensure for students who are wanting to teach in elementary, middle or secondary levels. Bethany was the first private college in Kansas accredited by NCATE in 1954.
Today, Bethany offers 11 teacher education programs in art, biology, business, chemistry, elementary education, English, instrumental music, mathematics, physical education and health, social science, and vocal music, including endorsements in special education and English language learners (ELL).
Currently, the college has 85 teacher education candidates.
"I am grateful for our education team, the teacher education faculty and supervisors, and the advisory council who have been vital to the program. We greatly appreciate the efforts of the campus, community, and school partnerships that continue to support our candidates with rich experiences," said Gretchen Norland, associate professor and chair of the education department. "The students and alumni are the core and heart of the program – the purpose behind the fine work we have done together."
"The decision by the Kansas State Board of Education is evidence of the effort of the education department faculty to continue to strive for excellence in their program. I am proud of their hard work over the years and their continued dedication to prepare our students for success after graduation,” said Elizabeth Mauch, Bethany College president.