SMSU's Educator Preparation Program Earns National AAQEP Accreditation

Published Thursday, February 05, 2026

Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation

The Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) has awarded full 7-year accreditation to the educator preparation program at Southwest Minnesota State University.

After reviewing the evidence collected through a process of self-study and peer review, the AAQEP Accreditation Commission issued the decision at its January 23 meeting along with the following rationale:

The Commission evaluated the program’s evidence for each AAQEP standard and determined that all four standards are met. The program prepares candidates to work effectively as professional educators who can adapt to different contexts and continue to grow professionally. Southwest Minnesota State University maintains program quality by analyzing evidence of its effectiveness and making revisions to benefit candidates. It engages with stakeholders and partners to strengthen the P-20 education system, particularly through their efforts to address workforce needs. The Commission also reviewed the provider’s plans for ongoing growth and improvement, based on the findings of the self-study, and affirms the intentions presented.

“Congratulations to Southwest Minnesota State 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 Mark LaCelle-Peterson. “They are addressing workforce needs through programs such as the Southwest Teacher Preparation Partnership, ‘Para-to’ programs, and Scholars of Teaching Apprenticeship.”

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.

“We are incredibly proud that our School of Education has officially received the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) accreditation. This achievement represents a significant milestone for SMSU and affirms the quality, rigor, and commitment to continuous improvement demonstrated throughout our educator preparation program,” said Dr. Raphael Onyeaghala, Dean of the College of Business, Education, and Professional Studies at SMSU.

According to Dr. Sonya Vierstraete, SMSU Professor of Education and Department Chair, seeking national accreditation had been the department’s radar for quite some time and was infused into the School of Education Strategic Plan. The School of Education mission is to create inclusive communities of practice where each learner is an active participant in the investigation of learning, teaching, and leadership processes.

“Being recognizing with national accreditation highlights our dedication to teacher preparation and the field of education,” said Dr. Vierstraete. “We look to elevate our profession as we prepare aspiring educators and further prepare educators in the field. Everything is a learning opportunity, and we operate with a growth mindset - so this is the next steppingstone in our journey to be an even better School of Education than yesterday.”

Dr. Vierstraete reinforced that the accreditation was a team effort. Kala Kopitski, Director of Assessment, Accreditation, and Licensure served as the lead in this effort with significant support from Rebecca Panka, Director of Clinical Experiences, and Jen Swanson, School of Education administrative support. School of Education faculty and staff as well as school partners have contributed to this process and ongoing efforts.

“The accreditation process required extensive documentation, reflection, and evidence of impact. I want to highlight the exceptional efforts of our team - Sonya, Kala, and Becky whose hard work and attention to detail were instrumental in assembling the accreditation materials. Their dedication to excellence and persistence in navigating the rigorous AAQEP standards played a central role in this successful outcome,” said Dr. Onyeaghala.

“Importantly, each member of the School of Education played an important role in this achievement as faculty and staff participated in the process over the past several years. We are fortunate to have such dedicated and talented Mustangs in the School of Education,” added Dr. Vierstraete.

This accreditation not only recognizes the strength of SMSU’s curriculum and assessment practices but also elevates SMSU’s standing within the state and national landscape of educator preparation. It reinforces our commitment to preparing effective, reflective, and responsive professionals who serve the needs of schools and communities across our region, Minnesota and beyond.

SMSU’s School of Education offers a range of undergraduate programs designed to prepare effective, reflective, and responsive educators who are equipped to meet the needs of diverse learners across Minnesota and beyond. Programs emphasize inclusive communities of practice, culturally responsive teaching, and strong clinical preparation experiences.

The undergraduate programs offered through the School of Education include:

Elementary Education – Preparing candidates for K–6 licensure through a foundation of instructional methods, child development, and clinical experiences.
Early Childhood Education – Preparing teachers to work with children from birth to age 8, grounded in child development and classroom practice.
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) – A program focused on preparing educators to serve young children with developmental delays or disabilities (birth to age 6).
Special Education – Offering preparation in specialized instructional strategies and supports for learners with diverse needs.
Physical Education (Teaching) – Preparing candidates for K–12 physical education instruction, integrating wellness, movement, and pedagogy.
Physical Education with Recreation or Sports Marketing Concentrations – Programs that combine foundational PE coursework with specialized training in recreation management or sports marketing.

Across all programs, SMSU faculty emphasize inquiry, human diversity, socio-cultural understanding, and a commitment to educational excellence — core values identified in the School’s conceptual framework.

“This national accreditation is a powerful affirmation of the exceptional work happening within our School of Education,” said Southwest Minnesota State University Interim President David P. Jones. “Our faculty, staff, and partners are deeply committed to preparing talented educators who will make a meaningful difference in classrooms and communities across Minnesota and beyond. This recognition reflects not only the quality of our programs, but also our mission-driven focus on access, opportunity, and excellence for every Mustang.”

###

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. Visit aaqep.org for more information.