Rider University successfully completes CAEP accreditation site visit

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After years of preparation, Rider University’s College of Education and Human Services successfully completed its Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accreditation site visit. This achievement is a reflection of intentional work focused on continuous improvement, candidate success and strong partnerships with schools and communities.

CAEP accreditation ensures that educator programs are adequately preparing new teachers both in the classroom and with experiential learning that allows them to enter the classroom ready to teach upon graduation.

“From the moment I came to Rider, I have always been impressed at how engaged our faculty, students and partners are,” says Dr. Jeannine Dingus-Eason, dean of Rider’s College of Education and Human Services. "What makes me most proud is not the outcome itself, but the process that got us here. Our faculty, staff, candidates, alumni, school partners and employers all play an important role in helping us reflect, improve, and strengthen our programs. That shared commitment to continuous improvement is what ensures our graduates are prepared to serve students and communities well."

Rider University’s education programs have been accredited by CAEP since 1974, but in recent years, nearly all have been revised, including its advanced degree and alternative route programs, to ensure they meet the changing needs of educators.

With more than 800 hours of field experience and student teaching built into the curriculum, Rider’s educator preparation programs emphasize the hands-on experience students need to succeed in the classroom and schools. That preparation is reflected in strong outcomes, with more than 90% of graduates employed or continuing their education within a year of graduation and a Praxis pass rate above the state average.

The final accreditation decision from CAEP is expected at the end of November.