CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – Affirming a reputation of quality in preparing tomorrow’s teachers, the Iowa State Board of Education has unanimously approved full re-accreditation for the University of Northern Iowa Educator Preparation Program. The approval remains in effect through the next review scheduled for the 2030-2031 academic year.

UNI’s educator preparation program is the largest in Iowa, representing more than 2,250 students working toward more than 20 undergraduate teaching majors and six graduate degrees plus minors, endorsements and graduate certificates. UNI teachers can be found in 99% of Iowa’s school districts, and in every county in the state.

“To be re-accredited recognizes the quality of a program that has served as the foundation for UNI from its origins nearly 150 years ago. I am so proud of our graduates and their preparation and so appreciative of the expertise and effort from the educator preparation leadership, faculty and staff from across all of our colleges who helped us achieve this milestone,” says José Herrera, provost and executive vice president. “As a program, we’re in great shape to continue to help meet the workforce needs of Iowa in all the key professions this program supports.”

UNI’s educator preparation program, or EPP, provides administrative oversight of undergraduate and graduate education leading to licensure in Iowa. The accreditation covers five academic areas of study: undergraduate teaching, administration, school counseling, school psychology and speech-language pathology. 

Re-accreditation follows a comprehensive review of elements such as curriculum, clinical experience, faculty qualifications and outcomes. It concludes a multi-year process involving a self-study, multiple reports and a state accreditation team visit. 

In the review, the Iowa State Board of Education recognized many strengths, including embedded clinical experiences across several programs, a new Makerspace for pre-service teachers and a federal grant obtained for a “grow your own” school psychology option in conjunction with several Area Education Agencies. 

“We strive to provide the best programs and highest quality educational experience, which involves continuous innovation. One example is our recent major curricular transformation in the undergraduate teaching program,” says College of Education Dean Colleen Mulholland, who serves as the chair of the Executive Council for the EPP. “Driven by our approach to the updated curriculum, its implementation has naturally led to process, structural and communication adjustments which better position us to support students, faculty and partners in PK-12 education.”  

Going forward, UNI can expect a one-year follow-up visit by a state review team and will submit annual updates in 2026, 2027 and 2028 prior to the next site visit in the 2030-2031 academic year.