The FAMU College of Education, the academic home to 371 students, has earned a seven-year reaccreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), the gold standard for teacher preparation programs in the U.S. The accreditation, extending through Spring 2032, applies to all undergraduate and post-baccalaureate programs that lead to initial teacher licensure, cementing FAMU’s role as a top producer of educators for Florida and the nation.
A milestone for excellence
The CAEP Accreditation Council finalized the decision in April 2025 after a rigorous review of FAMU’s curriculum, clinical training partnerships, fiscal capacity, and graduate outcomes. The college met all CAEP standards, which emphasize classroom readiness, pedagogical expertise, and the ability to improve student learning.
“This recognition is a reaffirmation of FAMU’s historic legacy in preparing high-quality educators who transform lives,” said Interim President Timothy Beard, Ph.D. “Our programs don’t just meet standards—they set them.”
Programs spanning critical needs
Reaccredited programs include degrees in biology, chemistry, mathematics, music, physical education, physics, social science, and English education, as well as elementary and Pre-K/primary education with ESOL and reading endorsements. These tracks address urgent shortages in STEM and specialized teaching fields, particularly in underserved communities.
Dean Sarah Price, Ph.D., credited faculty and students for the achievement: “This seven-year term reflects our commitment to innovation and collaboration. Our graduates enter classrooms equipped to meet today’s challenges, from literacy gaps to evolving technologies.”
National impact of CAEP standards
As the sole national accreditor for educator preparation, CAEP’s approval signals that FAMU’s graduates are rigorously prepared to boost student achievement. The college’s emphasis on clinical partnerships—pairing candidates with local K-12 schools—was a key factor in the review.
The reaccreditation arrives as Florida faces a critical teacher shortage, with nearly 5,000 vacancies reported statewide in 2024. FAMU, which produces more Black educators than any other HBCU, is poised to play a pivotal role in closing this gap.
CAEP’s standards are publicly available at www.caepnet.org.