JACKSONVILLE, AL — Jacksonville State University’s undergraduate and graduate elementary education programs have received high marks in a new report from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ), recognizing the university’s preparation of future elementary teachers in evidence-based reading instruction.
According to the NCTQ’s Teacher Prep Review: Decoding Progress in Reading Preparation, Jax State’s Bachelor of Science in Education in Elementary/Early Childhood Education earned an A+ rating, while its Alternative Class A Master of Science in Education in Elementary Education (K-6) received an A.
The report evaluates how well teacher preparation programs equip future educators to teach reading using scientifically based instructional methods. NCTQ found that Jax State’s programs provide instruction in the five core components of reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension, while limiting instructional methods that research has found to be ineffective.
The report notes that reading proficiency remains a challenge across Alabama. According to data cited from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), four in ten Alabama fourth-grade students do not read at a basic level. NCTQ states that strengthening teacher preparation is one strategy for improving student reading outcomes.
Jax State Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Christie Shelton said the recognition reflects the university’s longstanding commitment to educator preparation.
“At Jax State, preparing outstanding educators is central to our mission and our history,” Shelton said. “This recognition affirms the dedication of our faculty and the quality of our teacher preparation programs. We are committed to ensuring our graduates enter the classroom equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to help every child become a successful reader.”
Founded in 1883 as a teacher-training institution, Jacksonville State University continues to prepare educators through its College of Education and Professional Studies. The college emphasizes evidence-based instruction, clinical experiences, and partnerships with local school systems.
Dean Dr. Kimberly Gaiters-White said the recognition reflects the college’s focus on preparing graduates to teach reading effectively.
“Learning to read is one of the most important milestones in a child’s education, and teachers play a critical role in that journey,” Gaiters-White said. “We are proud that NCTQ has recognized the strength of our programs and the work of our faculty to align preparation with the science of reading. Our goal is for every graduate to leave Jax State ready to make a meaningful impact on student learning from day one.”
NCTQ President Heather Peske said Jacksonville State is among a growing number of teacher preparation programs demonstrating strong alignment with research-based reading instruction.
To conduct the review, NCTQ analyzed required literacy coursework, including syllabi, lecture topics, reading materials, assessments, assignments, and instructional practice opportunities. Programs earning an A demonstrated instruction in all five components of scientifically based reading instruction while limiting unsupported instructional practices. Programs receiving an A+ exceeded those standards by avoiding unsupported instructional methods altogether.
The full Teacher Prep Review: Decoding Progress in Reading Preparation includes comparisons of teacher preparation programs in Alabama and across the nation.
