SMSU Earns National Recognition for Preparing Future Elementary Teachers

Published Wednesday, June 24, 2026

A student utilizing the model classroom for teacher preparation at SMSU

SMSU elementary education program achieves top marks in new report from the National Council on Teacher Quality

The undergraduate elementary teacher preparation program at Southwest Minnesota State University has earned an A+ from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) for how well they prepare future teachers to teach reading to elementary students.

Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with Certification: A+ (View grade page)

The report, Teacher Prep Review: Decoding Progress in Reading Preparation, published on June 9, spotlights Southwest Minnesota State University for meeting the standards set by literacy experts for coverage of the most effective methods of reading instruction. Specifically, this means the program is preparing aspiring teachers in all five components of scientifically based reading instruction, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary, and avoids many instructional practices that research has shown to be ineffective or counterproductive for teaching children to read.

A child’s ability to read proficiently in the early grades shapes everything that comes next in school and in life, yet according to NAEP data, four in ten fourth graders in Minnesota cannot read at a basic level. Teacher preparation is one of the most direct levers available to change that—but only if it is aligned with the research-based instructional methods proven to help most students become successful readers.

Southwest Minnesota State University is part of a growing group of teacher preparation programs nationwide helping transform how future teachers are trained to teach reading.

“This recognition affirms the intentional work our faculty have done to prepare future teachers with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience they need to teach reading effectively,” said Dr. Sonya Vierstraete, chair of the Education Department. “At SMSU, we are committed to grounding our teacher preparation in evidence-based practices, so our graduates are ready to make a meaningful difference for children and families from their first day in the classroom.”

SMSU’s Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education prepares teacher candidates for Minnesota elementary education licensure for kindergarten through grade 6, with opportunities to add endorsements in areas such as preprimary education, middle-level communication arts and literature, mathematics, science, social science, general science, and K-8 Spanish. The program combines professional education coursework with field experiences, pre-student teaching, and student teaching, enabling candidates to develop the knowledge, skills, and classroom experience needed to serve young learners effectively.

“Every child deserves a teacher who has been well prepared to teach reading, and every teacher deserves the opportunity to enter the classroom ready to help students succeed,” said NCTQ President Heather Peske. “Across the country, many teacher preparation programs still do not fully align with the science of reading, but Southwest Minnesota State University is demonstrating what strong preparation can look like.”

NCTQ’s methodology is informed by a panel of reading experts, teacher preparation faculty, reading advocates, and measurement experts. To evaluate the quality of preparation being provided, a team of experts at NCTQ analyzed syllabi, including lecture schedules and topics, background reading materials, class assessments, assignments, and opportunities to practice instruction in required literacy courses for elementary teacher candidates at Southwest Minnesota State University.

To earn an “A,” programs needed to demonstrate that coursework for future elementary teachers includes all five core components of scientifically based reading instruction and avoid teaching more than three instructional methods that are unsupported by the research on effective reading instruction. To earn an A+, programs needed to exceed those targets and not teach any instructional practices unsupported by research.

“At SMSU, we take great pride in preparing graduates who are ready to make a difference in the places they are called to serve,” said Dr. David Jones, SMSU President. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our faculty and the quality of our teacher preparation program. When our graduates enter classrooms prepared to help children become strong readers, they are changing lives, strengthening schools, and serving communities across Minnesota and beyond.”

See NCTQ’s report, Teacher Prep Review: Decoding Progress in Reading Preparation for more information about Southwest Minnesota State University’s coverage of the science of reading and to see how Southwest Minnesota State University compares to other programs in Minnesota or across the country.

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About Southwest Minnesota State University

Southwest Minnesota State University is a four-year public university and a member of the Minnesota State system of colleges and universities. The university prepares students to meet the complex challenges of this century as engaged citizens in their local and global communities. Comprehensive degree programs, taught in the liberal arts tradition, are dedicated to connecting students’ academic and practical professional development experiences in southwest Minnesota to the wider world.

About NCTQ

The National Council on Teacher Quality: NCTQ is a nonpartisan research and policy organization on a mission to ensure every child has access to an effective teacher and every teacher has the opportunity to be effective. We believe a strong, diverse teacher workforce is critical for providing all students with equitable educational opportunities. Fore more information about NCTQ, visit www.nctq.org.