Initial teacher certification garners national accreditation

July 15, 2026 - DENTON - Texas Woman's University's initial teacher certification programs have earned accreditation from a national organization, putting them in select company with other educator prep programs recognized for meeting rigorous standards.

The accreditation from the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) complements the Texas Education Agency's approval process by evaluating educator preparation programs against national standards in addition to the state's for preparing future teachers.

"This accreditation strengthens our programs by aligning them with national standards and expanding opportunities for our graduates," said Juan Araujo, PhD, director of the TWU School of Education. "It also enhances our competitiveness in Texas while helping ensure our students are prepared to pursue certification beyond Texas if their careers take them elsewhere."

Only seven other Texas institutions currently hold AAQEP accreditation.

Beyond external recognition, the accreditation connects Texas Woman's with educator preparation programs across the country, creating opportunities to share best practices and continuously improve program quality.

"The conversations and collaboration that come with AAQEP membership help us identify successful practices and trends from across the nation," Araujo said. "That ultimately strengthens how we prepare future educators to serve K-12 students in Texas and beyond."

Recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, AAQEP evaluates educator preparation programs using four standards:

• Completer Foundational Knowledge and Skills: Students who complete the program have the foundational knowledge and skills to effectively support student learning and development.
• Completer Professional Growth and Adaptability: Students who complete the program grow as professionals and adapt their practices to support student learning and development.
• Quality Program Practices: Institutions' resources and internal quality control practices ensure that it has the capacity to effectively prepare educators to support success for all learners.
• Program Engagement in System Improvement: Institutions engage with partners and community members to strengthen the P-20 education system and to promote success for all learners.

At Texas Woman's, undergraduate students can earn initial teacher certification through bachelor's degree programs in education and early childhood education. The university also offers initial teacher certification through its Master of Arts in Teaching and Post-Baccalaureate Initial Teacher Certification programs.

Page last updated 2:48 PM, July 15, 2026