UNK’s College of Education received accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, reaffirming the quality and impact of its teacher education program and education graduate programs. (UNK Communications)
KEARNEY – The University of Nebraska at Kearney has earned national recognition for its commitment to preparing highly effective educators.
UNK’s College of Education received accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), reaffirming the quality and impact of its teacher education program and education graduate programs. The announcement followed the CAEP Accreditation Council’s spring 2025 review.
“This distinction reflects the strength of our faculty, our commitment to continuous improvement and our dedication to producing graduates who are ready to thrive in today’s diverse classrooms,” said Mark Reid, dean of UNK’s College of Education. “CAEP accreditation confirms what we already know – UNK is a leader in preparing Nebraska’s next generation of teachers.”
CAEP accreditation is based on evidence that graduates are competent, caring educators and that UNK has the capacity to maintain and enhance program quality through a culture of evidence-based improvement. Fewer than 550 educator preparation providers across the country currently hold CAEP accreditation.
The national accreditation status confirms that UNK’s educator preparation programs meet or exceed five standards related to content and pedagogical knowledge, clinical partnerships, candidate quality, program impact and continuous improvement.
“Our faculty and staff are deeply invested in shaping educators who are knowledgeable and compassionate,” said Jesslyn Hollar, chair of UNK’s Teacher Education Department. “This accreditation reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence and to meeting the needs of Nebraska’s educational communities.”
UNK was one of 34 institutions from 15 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico to receive accreditation during the spring review cycle. CAEP now accredits 549 programs in 43 states and multiple countries worldwide.
