Warner School earns national accreditation for educator preparation programs

The Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) has awarded full seven-year accreditation to the educator preparation programs in the University of Rochester’s Warner School of Education and Human Development. These certification programs prepare teachers, reading and literacy specialists, and K-12 school and district leaders. After reviewing the evidence collected through a process of self-study and peer review, the AAQEP Accreditation Commission issued the decision at its July 12, 2024 meeting along with the following rationale:

The Commission evaluated the program’s evidence for each AAQEP standard and determined that all four standards are met. The program prepares candidates to work effectively as professional educators who can adapt to different contexts and continue to grow professionally. The Warner School maintains program quality by analyzing evidence of its effectiveness and making revisions to benefit candidates. It engages extensively, responsively, and effectively with stakeholders and partners to strengthen the P-20 education system.

“Congratulations to the University of Rochester and to all of the faculty, staff, and stakeholders who have achieved their goal of national accreditation by AAQEP,” says AAQEP President and CEO Mark LaCelle-Peterson. “The Warner School engages with P-12 partners to strengthen their work and to prepare educators to meet local workforce needs.”

National accreditation assures the quality of professional preparation programs through a nongovernmental, nonregulatory process of self-study and peer review. This standards- and evidence-based process serves two broad aims: accountability and continuous improvement. The AAQEP model is also designed to honor local context and foster innovation and collaboration among institutions. AAQEP currently has members in 38 states and other jurisdictions with over 200 educator preparation providers participating in the accreditation system.

“Receiving AAQEP accreditation affirms the high standard of educator preparation we provide to students, impacting every aspect of the Warner School’s teacher, literacy and school leadership programs,” says Melissa Sturge-Apple, interim dean of the Warner School. “The Accreditation Commission’s commendation reflects our School’s values and commitment to advancing equity, serving our communities, and the limitless opportunities that await Warner graduates in the future.”  

This recognition follows a multi-year process, including a rigorous self-study and thorough peer review. In March 2024, an AAQEP Quality Review Team, consisting of three outside academics and one local practitioner, conducted a site visit with the Warner School community. 

“The AAQEP accreditation awarded to the Warner School is a testament to the hard work of faculty and staff,” Sturge-Apple adds. “It ensures the effectiveness and quality of our programs in preparing teachers, reading and literacy specialists, and school and district leaders. It provides an avenue for even higher-quality programs that equip students with the skills, knowledge, and experience they need for certification and set them apart as leaders in the field.” 

This accreditation supports the Warner School’s mission to create a more just and equitable world through education. The Warner School is where leaders learn to innovate and collaborate in their fields, combining research, scholarship and practice to transform lives, communities and society for the better. Learn more about the graduate programs that prepare teachers, literacy and reading specialists, and K-12 school leaders at the Warner School.

Founded in 2017, AAQEP is a membership association and quality assurance agency that provides accreditation services and formative support to all types of educator preparation providers. The organization promotes excellent, effective, and innovative educator preparation that is committed to evidence-based improvement in a collaborative professional environment. AAQEP is nationally recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Visit aaqep.org for more information.