The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire undergraduate elementary teacher preparation program has earned an “A” grade from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) for its preparation of future teachers to teach elementary students to read.
The June 9 report from NCTQ spotlights UW-Eau Claire for excellence in meeting the standards set by literacy experts for coverage of the most effective methods of reading instruction. Programs were rated for preparation of aspiring teachers in all five components of scientifically based reading instruction, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension and vocabulary.
“University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is part of a growing group of teacher preparation programs nationwide transforming how future teachers are trained to teach reading,” the report states.
Dr. David Peyton, director of teacher education in the College of Health and Human Sciences, says this national recognition goes a long way in acknowledging the strength of a program long rooted in excellence and inclusivity in literacy education.
“This recognition from NCTQ affirms the intentional work of our faculty to ensure that future teachers understand essential literacy content and practices and are prepared to translate that knowledge into effective classroom instruction,” Peyton says. “Our candidates learn how the essential components of reading work together, how to provide effective instruction to meet the needs of all children and how to respond when students need additional support.”
The NCTQ noted several specific strengths of teacher preparation at UW-Eau Claire, including the requirement of multiple courses focused on reading and literacy teaching. This includes a pair of courses with a literacy-based field experience at a local elementary school where students are engaged early in teaching reading and literacy skills .
“This aligned field experience provides teacher candidates the opportunity to observe literacy development in elementary-aged students and apply literacy strategies to strengthen their own pedagogical practice,” says Dr. Abby Hemmerich, professor and interim chair of the education studies and special education departments.
Dr. Carmen Manning, dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences, is proud of the way partnerships have also advanced teacher education in ways that have elevated outcomes and earned high marks like this NCTQ grade.
“The NCTQ rating validates UW-Eau Claire’s continued approach to establishing strong connections between the university and our school district partners from around the Chippewa Valley,” Manning says. “Our grade reflects the commitment of university faculty and K-12 staff working together to improve reading outcomes for all children.”
With a century-old tradition of preparing a teaching workforce in the state, UW-Eau Claire remains a leader in preparing skilled educators for districts that welcome excellence in K-12 teachers. This top-level literacy and reading grade from NCTQ affirms those traditions are holding strong.
