Council for the Accreditation of Educator Programs (CAEP)

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Ensuring Excellence in Educator Preparation: The Role of CAEP

The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) is the national accrediting body for educator preparation programs in the United States.

CAEP’s primary purpose is to ensure that colleges and universities preparing future teachers and education professionals meet rigorous, evidence-based standards of quality. Through accreditation, CAEP promotes excellence in educator preparation by requiring programs to demonstrate effectiveness in candidate knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions, as well as their ability to positively impact student learning.

By holding educator preparation programs accountable to high standards, CAEP helps maintain public trust in the teaching profession and supports continuous improvement in teacher education. Its accreditation process not only assures that programs produce qualified, competent educators but also encourages innovation and responsiveness to the needs of schools, students, and communities. Ultimately, CAEP serves to strengthen the overall quality of education by ensuring that those entering the profession are well-prepared to help all learners succeed.

Measure 1: Completer Effectiveness and Impact on P-12 Learning and Development

Since Maine does not provide statewide data on P-12 student outcomes, UMF uses case studies and alumni surveys to evaluate graduates’ impact on student learning and their satisfaction with preparation. In 2023–24, five case studies of recent Elementary Education completers showed that alumni applied skills from their preparation through student-centered instruction, effective feedback, strong routines, and strategies that engaged learners. Alumni also demonstrated relationship-building and regular use of formative assessments to identify student needs. The 2024 Alumni Survey found that nearly 90% of graduates were hired within four months, and most reported UMF effectively prepared them to be caring, competent, and collaborative professionals.

Measure 2: Satisfaction of Employers and Stakeholder Involvement

UMF’s Teacher Education Unit (TEU) engages stakeholders through advisory councils, outreach efforts, and school partnerships to align preparation with local and state needs. Biennial employer surveys provide additional feedback on program effectiveness. In 2024, more than 92% of employers were satisfied with UMF graduates’ ability to fulfill responsibilities, and over 90% reported satisfaction with graduates’ preparation to build relationships, create positive classrooms, and honor learner differences. Employers also praised strengths in professionalism, curriculum, inclusion, and collaboration, indicating that UMF completers meet workforce expectations.

UMF CAEP Annual Accreditation Measures Reports

These reports summarize the University of Maine at Farmington’s performance on the four CAEP accountability measures. They highlight how program completers impact P-12 learning, the satisfaction of alumni and employers, candidate competency at graduation, and the strong employability of UMF graduates, demonstrating the overall quality and effectiveness of UMF’s educator preparation programs.
2023-2024 Case Study 2024 Alumni Survey Employer Survey UMF 2024 Title II Report

Measure 3: Candidate Competency at Program Completion

UMF ensures candidates meet Maine’s Common Core Teaching Standards (CCTS) before graduation through benchmarks such as GPA requirements, practicum performance, student teaching, and completion of a professional portfolio. Assessments like the Student Teaching Portfolio, Essential Areas of Teaching instrument, Lesson Plan and Teacher Work Sample, and Classroom Management Observation Checklist provide evidence of proficiency. 2023–24 data show that candidates consistently met or exceeded expectations in planning, instruction, and assessment, with particular strengths in lesson design, instructional strategies, technology use, and professionalism. Some areas for growth remain in differentiated assessment and scaffolding for diverse learners.

Measure 4: Ability of Completers to be Hired

UMF graduates are highly employable within Maine, across New England, nationally, and internationally. According to the 2022 biennial alumni survey, more than 91% of graduates were employed in the field, with most working in their desired role and setting. About 78% secured employment within four months of graduation, and nearly 87% within one year. This high level of employability demonstrates the effectiveness of UMF’s teacher preparation in meeting both candidate career goals and workforce needs.

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University of Maine at Farmington
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Farmington, Maine USA 04938
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