AMLE Distinguished Teacher Preparation Programs

The inaugural recognition pilot cycle was led by Dr. Ellis Hurd, AMLE’s Specialized Professional Association (SPA) Coordinator for Middle Level Teacher Preparation and Licensure/Certification. The process began with an analysis of middle level programs that were part of the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accreditation process and reviewed between 2021 to 2024. Programs Nationally Recognized by the AMLE from those years made the first round of review.  Moving forward, the evaluation of programs for this special recognition will be conducted by the collaborative efforts of the AMLE Program Review Board, the AMLE SPA Coordinator, and the senior executive staff of the AMLE.

The review process involved an evaluation based on available accreditation review data from 2021 to 2024. Programs were considered for recognition regardless of their level(s) of programming (e.g., baccalaureate/undergraduate vs. post-baccalaureate/graduate program) with an eye toward their approaches to preparing teachers to educate young adolescents in middle schools. Once a list of nationally accredited programs was generated, another round of analysis took place, specific to key assessments, program rubrics, and alignments to the 2022 AMLE Standard. Program narratives, histories, and assessment data were also considered in reviews.

Programs seeking this prestigious annual honor are invited to submit their names, contact information, and a program narrative (approximately 2-3 pages). The narrative should highlight what sets the middle level program apart among faculty, staff, and students, including its alignment with the 2022 AMLE Standards. Submissions should also detail the program’s structure (e.g., number of students, faculty, courses, years to completion, and distinctive courses or experiences) and affirm its dedication as a middle level program. All programs (CAEP and non-affiliated) are welcome to apply. Applications must be submitted by November 1 of each calendar year for consideration in the following year’s recognition cycle. Please send submissions to Dr. Ellis Hurd, AMLE SPA Coordinator, at ehurd@ilstu.edu.