Education Preparation Programs: Shaping the Future of Educators
If you’re considering a career in teaching, you’ve likely encountered the term “education preparation program” (EPP). An education preparation program is an essential step for anyone looking to take a non-traditional journey towards teaching. It provides the comprehensive training needed to succeed in the classroom and is often a requirement for obtaining a teaching license. But what exactly does an EPP entail, how does it support aspiring educators, and how do different EPPs stand out?
What is an Education Preparation Program?
An education preparation program (EPP) is a structured course of study designed to equip aspiring teachers who may not have a background in education with the necessary skills, knowledge, and practical experience to succeed in the classroom. These programs, typically offered by specialized organizations, prepare candidates to meet the demands of today’s diverse and dynamic educational landscape. In Texas, an Educator Preparation Program (EPP) is a structured and accredited course designed to prepare individuals for a career in teaching. EPPs aim to equip aspiring educators with the necessary skills, knowledge, and competencies to teach in various educational settings and earn state certification effectively.
Until recently, educator preparation programs (EPPs) have not always included a significant amount of content related to the findings from the science of reading in the coursework they provide to their pre-service teachers. The omission of knowledge could stem from the “Peter Effect“-a phenomenon where one cannot be expected to give what one does not possess (Applegate & Applegate, 2004). In the case of educator preparation, there could be little familiarity with the science of reading, so course instructors may not be able to give their students-future teachers who will likely be responsible for teaching reading-an understanding of the constructs of evidence-aligned reading instruction. In fact, reviews from the National Council on Teacher Quality show that many EPPs still have course content that includes practices that are counterproductive to skilled reading.
Key Components of an Education Preparation Program
Education preparation programs generally include three essential components:
- Academic Coursework: EPPs offer in-depth academic training in education theory, teaching methods (pedagogy), and subject-specific content. Our curriculum is designed to be challenging and relevant, integrating principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ). We prepare our educators with the knowledge and skills needed to make a significant impact, starting with a Master’s in Teaching from American University. Our coursework is responsive to the evolving needs of education, equipping our trainees to meet the demands of today’s educational landscape.
- Classroom Experience: A significant part of any EPP is hands-on teaching experience, usually through full-time teaching. We provide our trainees with hands-on, immersive experiences in diverse educational settings. These clinical placements allow our future educators to apply their knowledge in real-world environments, ensuring they are well-prepared to navigate the complexities and challenges of modern education. Gaining in-classroom experience is essential for the certification process and in helping you develop your career skills while discovering your true calling. Clinical supervisors will train and support you through classroom learning, administrative exposures, parent interactions, and other aspects of day-to-day teaching.
- Certification Preparation: Most EPPs include preparation for state certification or licensure exams, which are required to teach in public schools. Our certification process upholds the highest standards, ensuring that every graduate is equipped to lead with integrity and competence. We are committed to educational equity, and our certification process reflects this commitment, preparing our graduates to champion fairness and excellence in their professional roles.
The Importance of an Education Preparation Program
EPPs are essential because they connect educational theory with real-world teaching. Teaching is a complex job that requires both subject knowledge and the ability to engage, inspire, and support students from diverse backgrounds. In times of crisis, when students with uncertified teachers lost about four months of reading and three months of math learning, EPPs offer aspiring teachers-especially those without formal education training-a clear path into the classroom.
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Moreover, there are three truths that EPPs should honor:
- The Complexity of Teaching: Just like becoming a doctor or a lawyer, teaching is a complex profession that deserves a thorough investment in both time and effort.
- Depth Over Speed: Effective teaching goes beyond surface-level knowledge. Every EEP should equip you with the skills, experience, and expertise required for lasting impact.
- Full Support: City Teaching Alliance is with you every step of the way, ensuring you have the tools, guidance, and resources to excel in the classroom.
Transforming to Align With the Science of Reading: Important Considerations
As educator preparation transforms to provide pre-service teachers with knowledge about the what and the how of literacy instruction, it is of primary importance that the faculty who train the next generation of our nation’s teachers are equipped with knowledge of the science of reading. Therefore, educator preparation programs (EPPs) will need to retain or hire knowledgeable professors and provide ongoing training to their faculty when needed. They will also need to continue to evolve and enhance the content of their programs and syllabi. This will take concerted effort and time.
The Reading League collaborated with numerous experts to develop the Science of Reading: A Defining Guide (2022). This guide provides a clear understanding of what the term means and includes additional material to support that understanding. The Defining Guide defines the science of reading as “a vast, interdisciplinary body of scientifically-based* research about reading and issues related to reading and writing. This research has been conducted over the last five decades across the world, and it is derived from thousands of studies conducted in multiple languages. This scientifically-based research is the kind of research that has historically been absent from many educator preparation programs.
The majority of educator preparation programs have been preparing pre-service teachers using a Balanced Literacy framework. This framework emphasizes student choice and implicit learning to encourage an early love for reading and writing with the belief this will lead students to successful literacy outcomes. Unfortunately, these underlying tenets of Balanced Literacy are not substantiated by scientifically-based reading research. In contrast, scientific evidence shows that explicit and systematic instruction in components of language such as phoneme awareness, phonics, semantics, and syntax result in better reading outcomes because they provide students with the understanding of the relationships between oral and written language.
An essential first step in integrating evidence-aligned / scientifically-based reading instruction into an educator preparation program is developing unity among faculty in a department so that there can be commitment to engaging in the work. Through The Reading League’s EPP community of practice meetings, faculty from over 200 EPPs have agreed that this work is challenging, and particularly challenging and less successful if done independently.
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Educator preparation programs must prioritize the inclusion of content from the science of reading regarding how to support English Learners and Emergent Bilinguals (ELs/EBs). Pre-service teachers should graduate with an understanding of the benefits of recognizing and embracing bilingualism as an asset, as well as viewing dialects and English language variations as an asset. Linguistic diversity benefits students, fostering cultural inclusivity and acknowledging the unique characteristics and expressions found within different dialects.
Pathways to Teacher Certification
- Traditional Programs: Traditional programs are typically offered through colleges and universities, providing comprehensive training that includes coursework and student teaching experience. These programs culminate in a degree and prepare candidates for initial teacher certification.
- Alternative Routes: Non-traditional routes are designed for individuals who already hold a baccalaureate degree, or higher, and are seeking to transition into teaching. These pathways allow candidates to teach while completing certification requirements. Alternative route pathways are designed for individuals who have completed a bachelor's degree or higher and leverage demonstrated skills and knowledge by allowing an individual to be employed as a full-time teacher (under the Interim Teaching Certificate) while simultaneously completing requirements to earn a Standard Teaching Certificate.
Potential candidates must meet the minimum requirements of that institution to be admitted into the teacher preparation program. The required reading coursework is offered within the program. Expedited pathways are offered by approved Michigan EPPs at a bachelor’s or post-bachelor's level and leverage previous experience or skills to allow for individuals to complete a program in an expedited manner. Many expedited programs are residencies, designed for individuals who are interested in being employed as full-time teachers while concurrently working toward certification. Other expedited programs allow for stand-alone special education or English as a second language endorsements on a Michigan teaching certificate. The required reading coursework is typically embedded throughout the program. Passage of MTTC content examinations is required before recommendation for certification. Individuals interested in this pathway must meet the minimum state requirements set forth in Michigan law, as well as additional program requirements(i.e., conferred bachelor’s degree, GPA of 3.0 or higher, passage of MTTC content tests, and any provider-specific program requirements).
Key Considerations When Choosing an EPP
In choosing an Educator Preparation Program, prioritize accreditation to ensure quality and recognition. Consider the curriculum’s relevance to your teaching interests, the program’s format (online, in-person, or hybrid), and location. Also, evaluate the cost, financial aid options, and the availability of student support services.
- Accreditation: Prioritize accreditation to ensure quality and recognition.
- Curriculum: Consider the curriculum’s relevance to your teaching interests.
- Format and Location: Consider the program’s format (online, in-person, or hybrid) and location.
- Cost and Support: Evaluate the cost, financial aid options, and the availability of student support services.
Examples of Educator Preparation Programs
City Teaching Alliance: An education preparation program is an essential step for anyone looking to take a non-traditional journey towards teaching. It provides the comprehensive training needed to succeed in the classroom and is often a requirement for obtaining a teaching license. City Teaching Alliance stands out because we offer a mission-driven, equity-focused approach that prepares you to make a lasting impact across Baltimore, Dallas, DC, and Philadelphia.
- Community: We know our collective strength comes from the connections we build and sustain. Our approach is rooted in the idea that our collective strength comes from the connections we build and sustain. By prioritizing community, we ensure that our work is responsive to the real needs and voices of those we serve.
- Coaching: Our instructional coaching model is centered on justice-oriented, culturally sustaining, and transformative teaching practices. We offer ongoing, personalized support to teachers, providing tailored advice and resources that foster professional and personal growth. Our coaching helps individuals develop their unique strengths and navigate their career paths confidently and clearly.
Houston Christian University’s Education Preparation Program (EPP): The program is designed to prepare you to excel in your profession. Support includes management of field-based experiences, state-aligned program delivery, yearly reporting, and training for students and staff. The teacher preparation program provides a wide range of resources and services to students who aspire to be professional educators. Throughout the process of obtaining and working with an Intern Certificate, the EPP office guides you. The educator preparation graduate pathway is open to students who are accepted into our Master of Education or Doctor of Education programs seeking initial or standard certification.
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Educator Preparation Institutes (EPIs) in Florida: Educator Preparation Institutes or EPIs are offered by Florida postsecondary institutions or qualified private providers to provide instruction for non-education baccalaureate or higher degree holders under section 1004.85, F.S., resulting in qualification for an initial Florida Professional Educator’s Certificate. Review and approval of educator preparation institutes in Florida consists of two parallel systems - one for initial approval and one for continued approval - both of which are governed by State Statute and Rule.
Michigan EPPs: Michigan law and rules require that all individuals complete an approved preparation program (e.g., math education, elementary education, English education) in order to become a teacher in Michigan. Pass the appropriate Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) content examinations. Passage of content examinations is required before recommendation for certification. Potential candidates must meet the minimum requirements of that institution to be admitted into the teacher preparation program. The required reading coursework is offered within the program. Expedited pathways are offered by approved Michigan EPPs at a bachelor’s or post-bachelor's level and leverage previous experience or skills to allow for individuals to complete a program in an expedited manner. The required reading coursework is typically embedded throughout the program.
Resources for Identifying Strong EPPs
Selecting textbooks and course materials that are aligned to the science of reading can be a challenge. To make this task easier, the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) created a searchable database of reading instructional materials. The database includes more than 1,000 educational resources-including textbooks, journal articles, and instructional videos-currently used in teacher preparation programs’ coursework.
To help with this, the National Council on Teacher Quality produced the Teacher Prep Review: Strengthening Elementary Reading Instruction, which examines nearly 700 teacher prep programs across the country to determine the extent to which they are preparing future teachers in scientifically based reading instruction. NCTQ looks for evidence that coursework for future elementary teachers includes all the core components of scientifically based reading instruction: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. This tool can help state leaders and advocates discern which educator prep programs in their state are strong and which need additional support.
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