Education
December 18, 2025
The Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) has awarded full seven-year accreditation to the educator preparation programs at the University of Portland.
After reviewing the evidence collected through a process of self-study and peer review, the AAQEP Accreditation Commission issued the decision at its November 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. The University of Portland maintains program quality through intentional analysis and reflection on data that lead to programmatic revisions that benefit candidates. It has established strong collaboration with internal and external stakeholders and partners to strengthen the P-20 education system. The Commission reviewed the provider’s plans for ongoing growth and improvement, based on the findings of the self-study, and affirms the intentions presented.
The Commission also issued a comment with the decision affirming the University’s success in supporting graduates’ entry into their professional roles, which includes ample clinical practice during preparation and induction support.
“Congratulations to the University of Portland 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. “The program makes a clear case for quality through its effective use of data to inform programmatic growth and continuous improvement.”
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.
“AAQEP’s Accreditation Commission recognition affirms what we see every day,” said John Watzke, PhD, Dean of the School of Education and Graduate School at UP. “Our educator preparation programs don’t just graduate teachers and leaders. We help them strengthen their practice, launch with confidence, and continue advancing across the many career transitions that define a life in education.”
“From robust clinical practice to thoughtful induction support as our graduates step into new roles, this work is only possible because it is truly a team effort—driven by outstanding faculty and staff and strengthened by the deep commitment of our partner schools, districts, and the wider educational community. We are proud of this seven-year accreditation, and we are energized to keep improving, together, in service of P–20 learners.”
University of Portland
5000 N. Willamette Blvd.,
Portland, Oregon 97203-5798
503.943.8000
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