February 17, 2026
Training tomorrow’s teachers: Ferris State’s School of Education earns national AAQEP accreditation of educator preparation programs
The Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation has awarded initial five-year accreditation to Ferris State University’s educator preparation programs, helping the next generations of teachers prepare for the classroom.
“Congratulations to Ferris State University and to all of the faculty, staff, and stakeholders who have achieved their goal of national accreditation,” AAQEP President and CEO Mark LaCelle-Peterson said. “Their participation in initiatives such as Grow Your Own and Talent Together strengthens partnerships, mitigates teaching shortages, and addresses local needs.”
Ferris State’s School of Education houses programs for careers at various levels ranging from early childhood to post-secondary education.
Graduates of bachelor’s and master’s programs in certifiable areas are eligible for initial or advanced teaching certifications issued by the Michigan Department of Education. Additionally, the school offers Career Technical Education options for people with valuable workforce experience to teach in their career fields.
The Grow Your Own program is a partnership between Ferris State and local K-12 systems to help staff members gain teaching degrees, building a talented workforce in a field where teachers are in demand.
The AAQEP Accreditation Commission reviewed evidence collected through a process of self-study and peer review.
The Commission evaluated the Ferris State program’s evidence for each AAQEP standard and determined that all four standards are met.
The program produces well-prepared candidates who work effectively as professional educators who can adapt to different contexts and continue to grow professionally.
The university maintains program quality by analyzing evidence of its effectiveness and making revisions to benefit candidates.
The commission also noted Ferris State engages with stakeholders and partners to strengthen the P-20 education system and actively seeks to grow the profession by engaging with 13 local school districts in a grow your own initiative.
The commission reviewed the provider’s plans for ongoing growth and improvement, based on the findings of the self-study, and affirms the intentions presented.
“Our partnership with AAQEP creates valuable opportunities for our department to engage in a highly collaborative model of accreditation with other educational preparation programs around the United States while preserving our unique culture and identity. We look forward to the years that lie ahead, working with our AAQEP colleagues,” said Dr. David Alban, an associate professor who serves as SOE department chair.
National accreditation assures the quality of professional preparation programs through a nongovernmental, nonregulatory process of self-study and peer review.
This standards- and evidence-based process serves two broad aims: accountability and continuous improvement. The AAQEP model is also designed to honor local context and to foster innovation and collaboration among institutions.
“AAQEP initial accreditation is one more impressive achievement at an exciting time for the Ferris School of Education,” said Dr. Randy Cagle, dean of the College of Arts, Sciences and Education. “It is rewarding to see AAQEP’s recognition of the accomplishments and immense potential of this growing group of faculty and staff under the leadership of the department chair.”
Mandy Seiferlein, associate provost of Assessment and Accreditation, said achieving initial accreditation through AAQEP is a significant milestone.
“This recognition reflects the longstanding dedication of our faculty, staff, and partners to evidence-based continuous improvement and underscores our commitment to preparing highly effective educators who are ready to lead and serve in diverse classrooms and communities,” she said. “Achieving and maintaining AAQEP accreditation demonstrates to the public that our educator preparation programs meet rigorous national standards and that our students are well-prepared to make a meaningful impact in the State of Michigan and beyond.”
AAQEP is a membership association and quality assurance agency founded in 2017 that provides accreditation services and formative support to all types of educator preparation providers.
The organization promotes excellent, effective, and innovative educator preparation that is committed to evidence-based improvement in a collaborative professional environment.
AAQEP is nationally recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and is currently operating in 37 states and other jurisdictions, with more than 200 educator preparation providers participating in the accreditation system.