UT Tyler education program gets TEA stamp of approval

The University of Texas at Tyler's teacher education programs prepare students well to ensure quality education for Texas children according to a review by the Texas Education Agency, Dr. William Geiger, UT Tyler College of Education and Psychology dean, announced.

During its periodic postapproval site visit to UT Tyler, the TEA Division of Educator Standards reviewed pertinent program documents in the university's teacher preparation programs and conducted interviews in selected cooperating school districts.

TEA officials interviewed school principals and cooperating teachers who work with UT Tyler student-teachers.

These education professionals indicated UT Tyler's student teachers are the strongest academically and best prepared to enter the classrooms compared to student-teachers and interns from other programs, according to the report.

TEA also assessed areas such as commitment and collaboration, admission, curriculum, program delivery and evaluation and ongoing support.

"The report from TEA confirms the excellence of UT Tyler's teacher preparation programs," Geiger said.

"The faculty involved in our teacher preparation programs is to be commended for developing and maintaining programs of the highest quality. It is rewarding to know that our students and colleagues in the schools see the curriculum and field components of our programs as being outstanding."

UT Tyler received TEA's initial approval for teacher education in 1972.