Initial teacher certification garners national accreditation

July 16, 2026 — DENTON — Texas Woman's University's initial teacher certification programs have earned accreditation from a national organization, putting them in select company with other educator prep programs recognized for meeting rigorous standards. 

The accreditation from the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) complements the Texas Education Agency's approval process by evaluating educator preparation programs against national standards in addition to the state’s for preparing future teachers.

"This accreditation strengthens our programs by aligning them with national standards. It also enhances our competitiveness in Texas," said Juan Araujo, PhD, director of the TWU School of Education.

Only seven other Texas institutions currently hold AAQEP accreditation.

“Congratulations to Texas Woman’s University and to all of the faculty, staff, and stakeholders who have achieved their goal of national accreditation by AAQEP,” said AAQEP President and CEO Karen Lowenstein. “TWU meets a critical need through its preparation of fully certified teachers, an outcome facilitated through robust candidate support systems.”

Beyond external recognition, the accreditation connects Texas Woman's with educator preparation programs across the country, creating opportunities to share best practices and continuously improve program quality.

"The conversations and collaboration that come with AAQEP membership help us identify successful practices and trends from across the nation," Araujo said. "That ultimately strengthens how we prepare future educators to serve K-12 students in Texas and beyond."

Recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, AAQEP evaluates educator preparation programs using four standards:

• Completer Foundational Knowledge and Skills: Students who complete the program have the foundational knowledge and skills to effectively support student learning and development.
• Completer Professional Growth and Adaptability: Students who complete the program grow as professionals and adapt their practices to support student learning and development.
• Quality Program Practices: Institutions’ resources and internal quality control practices ensure that it has the capacity to effectively prepare educators to support success for all learners.
• Program Engagement in System Improvement: Institutions engage with partners and community members to strengthen the P-20 education system and to promote success for all learners.

National accreditation assures the quality of professional preparation programs through a nongovernmental, nonregulatory process of self-study and peer review. This standards- and evidence-based process serves two broad aims: accountability and continuous improvement. The AAQEP model is also designed to honor local context and to foster innovation and collaboration among institutions.

At Texas Woman's, undergraduate students can earn initial teacher certification through bachelor's degree programs in education and early childhood education. The university also offers initial teacher certification through its Master of Arts in Teaching and Post-Baccalaureate Initial Teacher Certification programs.

About AAQEP

Founded in 2017, AAQEP is a membership association and quality assurance agency that provides accreditation services and formative support to all types of educator preparation providers. The organization promotes excellent, effective, and innovative educator preparation that is committed to evidence-based improvement in a collaborative professional environment. AAQEP is nationally recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and is currently operating in 36 states and other jurisdictions, with over 200 educator preparation providers participating in the accreditation system. 

Page last updated 2:20 PM, July 16, 2026