BUFFALO, NY – Canisius University’s Teacher and Educational Leadership programs in the School of Education and Human Services have earned full seven-year accreditation from the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), demonstrating excellence in educator preparation.
The AAQEP awarded accreditation following a comprehensive self-study and peer review process that confirmed Canisius University’s educator preparation programs meet all quality benchmarks. The commission’s decision highlighted the School of Education’s success in preparing candidates “to work effectively as professional educators who can adapt to different contexts and continue to grow professionally.” The review also praised Canisius for its commitment to “maintain program quality by analyzing evidence of its effectiveness and making revisions to benefit candidates” and “engaging with stakeholders and partners to strengthen the P-20 education system.”
“Receiving AAQEP accreditation validates our steadfast dedication to preparing exceptional educators,” says Nancy Wallace, PhD, dean of the School of Education and Human Services. “At Canisius, we take pride in developing highly effective, socially committed professionals who embody the Jesuit traditions of social justice and servant leadership. Our programs, expert faculty and strong partnerships with local schools create an environment in which future educators can thrive and develop the skills needed to make a meaningful impact across the educational landscape.”
The School of Education and Human Services continues to gain national recognition for its exceptional programs. Most recently, U.S. News & World Report ranked Canisius’ online master’s in education programs at No. 85 nationally, out of more than 300 institutions evaluated. The School also ranked No. 6 in New York State and No. 1 in Western New York – marking the eighth consecutive year of recognition in this category.
Additionally, Canisius ranked No. 15 among regional universities in the North on U.S. News’ list for Best Undergraduate Teaching. This distinction was determined through peer assessment from university leaders across the country.
“Congratulations to Canisius University and to all the faculty, staff and stakeholders who have achieved their goal of national accreditation by AAQEP,” says the organization’s president and CEO Mark LaCelle-Peterson. “These education programs provide high-quality preparation with a consistent focus on students.”
For more information about Canisius University’s teacher and leadership programs, click here.
AAQEP accreditation is a standards-and evidence-based process that serves two broad aims: accountability and continuous improvement. The AAQEP model is also designed to honor local context and foster innovation and collaboration among institutions. AAQEP currently has members in 34 states and territories with over 200 educator preparation providers participating in the accreditation system. It is nationally recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Canisius was founded in 1870 in Buffalo, NY, and is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the U.S. Consistently ranked among the top institutions in the Northeast, Canisius offers undergraduate, graduate and pre-professional programs distinguished by close student-faculty collaboration, mentoring and an emphasis on ethical, purpose-driven leadership.
