WASHINGTON  — The National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) recently released its “Best Value” ratings of colleges of education across the U.S., and the Georgia Southwestern State University School of Education was listed as a “Top 5” best value in Georgia. Specifically, GSW’s undergraduate secondary education program was ranked no. 3.
According to the NCTQ report, this is the first time that a national education policy organization has conducted a comprehensive measure of quality that also factors in affordability, average teacher salary in each state and the ability to prepare future teachers for the realities of the classroom.
“Quality and value are at the core of every degree conferred at Georgia Southwestern,” said GSW Interim President Charles Patterson. “It comes as no surprise that the School of Education was recognized as a ‘Top 5 Best Value’ in Georgia by the National Council on Teacher Quality. Dr. Rachel Abbott and her team work diligently to prepare our state’s future teachers. They are deserving of this recognition.”
Colleges of education listed as “Best Value” scored highest on a combination of quality and affordability factors, taking into account net price to attend school — including tuition, fees, and average financial aid awards — average teacher salary in that state and how well the school prepares future teachers for the realities of the classroom as shown on the NCTQ’s new online tool called “Path to Teach.”  The NCTQ reviewed over 1,100 schools of education for this report.
“Providing our teacher candidates with a quality education is a priority of the School of Education faculty,” said Rachel Abbott, interim dean of the GSW School of Education. “This recognition from NCTQ demonstrates the excellent work of the faculty and the impact our graduates have on student learning.”
The Georgia Southwestern School of Education offers undergraduate programs leading to certification in secondary education in English, history, mathematics, political science and offers a P-12 program leading to certification in music. These programs are organized to promote strong academic work in the content field along with certification course work and field experiences.
Undergraduate degree programs are also offered in early childhood education, health and physical education, middle grades, special education and exercise science and wellness. Select master’s and specialist programs are also available.
The School of Education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). All initial teacher preparation programs are approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC).
For additional information, call (229) 931-2245.