BLUEFIELD, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Bluefield State University has earned national recognition for excellence in teacher preparation after receiving an A+ rating from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) for its undergraduate Elementary Education program’s preparation of future teachers in the science of reading.
The recognition comes as part of NCTQ’s newly released report, Teacher Prep Review: Decoding Progress in Reading Preparation, published June 9. The report highlights teacher preparation programs that effectively equip aspiring educators with evidence-based reading instruction practices proven to help children become successful readers.
Bluefield State’s Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education earned an A+ rating for preparing teacher candidates in all five core components of scientifically based reading instruction: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Programs receiving an A+ rating must also avoid instructional practices that research has shown to be ineffective in teaching children to read.
“This recognition reflects the outstanding work of our faculty and their commitment to preparing highly effective educators for the classrooms of West Virginia and beyond,” said Bluefield State University President Darrin Martin. “Literacy is the foundation upon which all future learning is built. We are proud that our Elementary Education program is providing future teachers with the evidence-based knowledge and skills needed to help every child become a confident reader and lifelong learner.”
According to the report, nearly half of West Virginia fourth-grade students do not read at a basic level, making effective teacher preparation a critical component of improving literacy outcomes statewide. NCTQ identified Bluefield State as part of a growing group of institutions nationwide helping transform how future teachers are trained to teach reading.
“This recognition affirms Bluefield State University’s commitment to excellence in teacher preparation,” said Dr. Terene Stiltner, Director of Teacher Education at Bluefield State University. “By grounding our programs in evidence-based strategies, we are empowering future educators to enter classrooms ready to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and to help address critical literacy challenges across West Virginia and beyond.”
NCTQ President Heather Peske praised the university’s approach to teacher preparation.
“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,” Peske said. “Across the country, many teacher preparation programs still do not fully align with the science of reading, but Bluefield State University is demonstrating what strong preparation can look like.”
Bluefield State is one of only two institutions in West Virginia to earn an A+ rating in the report. NCTQ’s evaluation included a comprehensive review of course syllabi, instructional materials, assignments, assessments, and opportunities for teacher candidates to practice literacy instruction.
Bluefield State’s B.S. in Elementary Education is offered online, providing flexibility for working adults, paraprofessionals, substitute teachers, and others pursuing careers in education. The university also offers an online Bachelor of Science in Multi-Categorical Special Education, as well as alternative certification and recertification pathways for current and aspiring educators.
For more information about Bluefield State University’s teacher preparation programs, visit bluefieldstate.edu.
