Early Childhood Education
Teacher Education programs are accredited by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (PSC) and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), formerly the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Albany State University is fully accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award Bachelor's, Master's and Education Specialist degrees. All initial programs in the Department of Teacher Education are designed to prepare pre-service teachers to meet the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (INTASC) standards. Upon completion of our programs, candidates will demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to be effective and successful entry-level teachers. Our advanced programs are designed to help master level teachers meet the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). At the conclusion of the program of study, graduates distinguish themselves as accomplished educators who effectively enhance student learning and demonstrate high levels of knowledge, skills, and dispositions reflected in the Board's five core propositions.
The Department of Teacher Education embraces a culture of excellence and care. We have structured our curriculum and field experiences to provide candidates with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to become effective teachers and accomplished educators. We have also created an atmosphere of tolerance that demonstrates to each candidate that he or she is appreciated and his or her opinion is valued. As education is intertwined with concepts of both nature and nurture, we strive to provide opportunities to model these in the teaching and learning process to ensure candidates are prepared for today's diverse students and classrooms.