WGU Washington's Teacher Prep Program Honored Among Nation's Best

SEATTLE, July 1, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Western Governors University's Teachers College has been honored by the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) for having one of the nation's best teacher preparation programs. WGU was the only online university to be included in the NCTQ's Honor Roll, which was based on ratings of more than 1,100 colleges and universities across the United States.

The NCTQ evaluated the teacher preparation programs of each institution for alignment with national standards for content, pedagogy, classroom experiences, and outcomes. WGU was specifically recognized for its student teaching best practices. The full report and methodology can be seen on the NCTQ website.

Headquartered in Seattle, WGU Washington is pleased to operate under the accreditation of WGU and is proud more students from Washington attend the university than any other state. Since it launched in the spring of 2011, WGU Washington's enrollment has more than quadrupled. Approximately 4,500 of WGU's 39,000 students call the Evergreen State home.

"Right now, more than 600 graduates from our Teacher's College live and work in this state," said WGU Washington Chancellor Jean Floten. "The online model makes it ideal for busy adults and students in rural areas. Also, the price point is relatively low, so a quality degree can be earned and opportunities for career advancement achieved without racking up enormous debt."

WGU offers 20 undergraduate and graduate level teacher preparation programs, with licensure available in all 50 states. WGU is the first all-online university to earn accreditation from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) for its teacher preparation programs. WGU's Teachers College is a leader in math and science education—the nation's largest provider in master's degree in math education. Nearly 25% of WGU Teachers College graduates are math or science educators, many teaching in inner city and rural schools.

WGU uses an innovative approach to learning called competency-based education, which measures learning rather than time spent in class. Students earn their degrees by demonstrating mastery of subject matter. Designed to meet the needs of adult learners, competency-based education allows students to take advantage of prior learning and experience to move quickly through material they already know so they can focus on what they still need to learn. WGU faculty members, called Mentors, work one-one with students, offering guidance, support, and individualized instruction. While WGU's degree programs are rigorous and challenging, competency-based learning makes it possible for students to accelerate their programs, often finishing sooner, saving both time and money. Tuition for WGU's teacher education programs, which has not increased since 2008, is charged at a flat rate of $2,890 per six-month term.

About WGU Washington

WGU Washington was established by the Washington State Legislature on April 22, 2011. WGU Washington is state-endorsed and offers degree programs that are accredited through Western Governors University.

WGU Washington offers more than 50 bachelor's and master's degree programs in business, information technology, teacher education, and health professions, including nursing. The university's online, competency-based learning model is designed to meet the needs of working adults by providing an affordable, flexible option for earning an accredited, respected college degree. It's non-profit and receives no money from the state.

Degrees are granted under the accreditation of Western Governors University, which is regionally accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Teachers College programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and Nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE*).

The university has earned the support of more than 20 leading corporations and foundations. They include institutions such as AT&T, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Lilly Endowment, HCA, Hewlett-Packard, Lumina Foundation, Microsoft, Oracle, SunGard Higher Education, and Zions Bank.

*Western Governors University offers nursing programs that are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 5380, Washington DC 20036, 202-877-6791).

For more information, visit the WGU Washington website washington.wgu.edu or call (206) 512-0025.

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Contact for media inquiries:
Jake Riddell – Public Relations Manager
(206) 512-0025
[email protected]

Contact for enrollment information:
877.214.7004
washington.wgu.edu

SOURCE WGU Washington