Saint Mary’s education programs approved, praised by Board of Teaching, MBSA

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University’s undergraduate and graduate teacher licensure programs and its Education Specialist in Educational Administration program have been approved and lauded this winter by two state governing boards. Accreditation was approved for maximum time periods without alterations.

Accrediting agencies, when making periodic reviews of all collegiate education departments, typically cite a college or university for items that must be amended before certification is granted or extended.

“That Saint Mary’s was identified as having model programs and did not receive any requests for alterations is a testament to the strength of our programs,” said Jim Bedtke, SMU vice president for the College and the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs. “Saint Mary’s is nationally recognized for providing quality education programs at all levels.”

Minnesota’s Board of Teaching has extended accreditation for Saint Mary’s undergraduate and graduate teacher licensure programs for the maximum seven years.

The Minnesota Board of Teaching review team noted the effective collaboration between faculty in the content areas and the education program, an advising process that is supportive and accessible, the strength of the clinical experiences, and the importance attached to the preparation of teachers at Saint Mary’s.

The review team wrote, “The Lasallian mission of Saint Mary’s is transparent and threaded through the education programs here. The students recognized the faculty’s commitment to social justice in education and indicated how they model that in their constructivist approach to teaching.”

Additionally, the Minnesota Board of School Administrators has approved the Education Specialist in Educational Administration program of the SMU Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs for the maximum five years. The Ed.S. in Educational Administration degree prepares candidates for three possible administrative licensures: K-12 Building Principal, Superintendent and Director of Special Education.

The Minnesota Board of School Administrators review team expressed appreciation for the university’s consistent mission-driven approach at all levels, from the administration to the students. The team was impressed by faculty and the preparation students receive for school leadership.