Stephen F. Austin State University

Once every seven years, board examiners representing the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education visit Stephen F. Austin State University to inspect the program and ensure that standards are being met.

SFA is one of only 11 universities in Texas to hold NCATE accreditation, which it first received in 1954 - the year NCATE began accrediting education programs.

A team of NCATE examiners spent most of the week on campus, and by the time they left they had not only recommended that SFA be reaccredited until 2013, but that SFA should serve as a "Board of Examiner training site."

NCATE is "a mechanism to establish high quality teacher preparation," according to the organization's Web site. "Through the process of professional accreditation of schools, colleges, and departments of education, NCATE works to make a difference in the quality of teaching and teacher preparation today, tomorrow and for the next century."

Professional accreditation is important because it is "the bedrock upon which all professions have built their reputations," the Web site states. "It assures that those entering the respective field have been suitably prepared to practice ... in the profession." Accreditation of schools of education indicates that the school underwent rigorous external review by professionals, that performance of a teacher candidate in the program has been thoroughly assessed before he or she is recommended for licensure, and that programs meet standards set by the teaching profession at large, according to the NCATE Web site.

Dr. Arlinda Eaton, NCATE board of examiners chairwoman, described the visit to SFA as "stellar," in her exit interview, according to College of Education Dean John Jacobson.

He shared some of her other comments in a letter to the College of Education faculty and staff:

"The board of examiners team felt honored to be here ... We've never seen a visit so perfect ... All team members' needs were met ... This was a model visit ... SFA is a wonderful example of a well-functioning unit."

Jacobson said words are inadequate to express how proud he felt as examiners reviewed documents, interviewed numerous public and campus faculty, staff, administrators and candidates and participated in functions such as the Sunday evening Education Showcase.

Assistant professor Vikki Boatman said the Education Showcase was similar to the university's Showcase Saturday. Each department and program of the College of Education was represented, and students were available to be interviewed on the spot, she said, adding that it was "enlightening for everyone."

Jacobson said the NCATE team was very skilled and thorough in their review and that their findings and recommendations "truly reflect the outstanding educator preparation program that has developed over time and continues to serve as a model of excellence in educator preparation."

"This accreditation effort involved everyone in the College of Education and many outside the College of Education," he said.

Jacobson praised those who helped with the preparation for the NCATE visit.

"Thanks to many who created such an impressive College of Education Showcase," he said. "The list is lengthy, because the effort was shared by all."

Jacobson said he wanted to borrow a quote from Dr. Karen Loonam, director of educator standards at the Texas Education Agency and leader of the state portion of the visit, to sum up the visit: "The College of Education feels like everyone is part of the family and is valued."

"We truly have a wonderful team of faculty and staff within the College of Education, throughout SFA and those who serve at our professional development field placement sites," Jacobson said.

The re-accreditation will become official next fall after the Unit Accreditation Board acts upon the team's recommendation.