Chicago State University Teaching Program Scores High in National Study

Chicago State University’s undergraduate teaching program is one of the best in Illinois according to a recently released independent study by the National Council on Teacher Quality.

“Preparing the next generation of educators is one of our core missions here at CSU and I am very pleased, though I must say not surprised, that our education program is being recognized for excellence,” CSU President Dr. Wayne D. Watson said. “I say I’m not surprised because I have the opportunity to see first-hand the fine academic work that is taking place in our College of Education and I know how hard our faculty and staff have worked to build a world-class teaching program.”

The Washington D.C. based non-profit advocacy group rated programs in 18 areas including how universities teach lesson planning, classroom management and learning assessment, and how schools track graduates and gave each program a grade ranging from one to four stars. CSU’s undergraduate teaching program was one of only 4 schools in Illinois to receive a three-star grade. Nationally, less than 10% of programs received a grade of three stars or greater.

“Chicago State University was founded as a teacher’s college more than 140 years ago, so helping shape quality teachers is in our roots,” Watson added. “I strongly encourage any prospective student who aspires to be a teacher to consider being a part of the legacy of successful educators who learned their craft here at CSU.”

The report was funded by several U.S. foundations including Polk Bros. Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation of New York. The groups collectively donated $5 million to complete the council's teacher prep review.