By BRENT MARTIN
St. Joseph Post
Missouri Western State University has received prestigious national recognition for its education department.
Missouri Western President Elizabeth Kennedy reports the university’s Education Department has won full, unqualified national accreditation from the Council for Accreditation Educator Preparation.
“This is a difference maker,” according to Kennedy. “This is what says Missouri Western’s education program is really one of the top high-quality programs. And to achieve accreditation without any consideration or any minor issue even; it’s a great testimony to the talent of our faculty.”
Kennedy says the accreditation from the Council is a big selling point for the university. Kennedy says she’s proud of that, but also proud that the department is serving area school districts.
“Their needs and what they’re looking for,” Kennedy says. “Are we engaged in best practices? Are we using pedagogy that is really going to produce students who are learning for the teachers that are guiding them?”
The St. Joseph School District has begun a Grow Your Own program, in which the district provides financial help for employees who want to become teachers. Missouri Western also has scholarships available for those seeking the additional education and training to teach in the classroom.
Kennedy compares the teacher shortage to the nursing shortage and the law enforcement officer shortage, all areas in which Missouri Western hopes to help fill the void. Kennedy says it is up to local leaders to fill local needs, to look within for solutions.
“I think that’s really telling to me is there seems to be more of a shift to say our hero on the white horse isn’t going to come,” Kennedy says. “We need to figure out what our answers are on our own. What are the solutions that we can come up with?”
Kennedy says the accreditation tells current students they are in the right program and invites those considering a career in teaching to consider Missouri Western.