2004-08-12 National University Again Leads State in Preparing Credentialed Teachers

La Jolla, Calif. – For the fourth consecutive year, National University has prepared more credentialed teachers than any other single institution of higher education in the state.

Between July 1, 2002 and June 30, 2003, 2,466 California teachers earned their single subject, multiple subject and special education teaching credentials through National University, according to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing's sixth annual report on the state teacher supply.

National University's credential completers accounted for 11 percent of the statewide total during that time period, outnumbering the second-ranked university by more than 1,100 students. The 392 candidates recommended by National University for special education credentials represent 16 percent of the 2,480 special education credentials granted in California.

Between July 1, 2001 and June 30, 2002, National University also led the state, successfully recommending a total of 3,698 candidates for teaching credentials in California.  Prior to that, between July 1, 2000 and June 30, 2001, National University led California by successfully recommending 2,576 candidates for teaching credentials.

Graduates and credential completers from National University's School of Education are recognized as some of the best educators in California, based upon assessments by various Teacher of the Year competitions, National Board Certification the National Blue Ribbon School competition, and the California Distinguished School Program.  National University alumni were named National Teacher of the Year in 1994, California Teacher of the Year in 1994 and 2000, California Principal of the Year in 2003, Los Angeles Unified School District Teacher of the Year in 2002 and Sacramento County Teacher of the Year in 2003.  In the past 10 years, five National University alumni were named San Diego County Teacher of the Year.

National Board Certification is considered a mark of teaching excellence. National University alumni accounted for six percent (44 of the 687) of all California teachers who achieved National Board Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards last year. 

The Blue Ribbon School competition was established by the U.S. Secretary of Education to honor educational excellence among elementary and secondary schools. Of the 182 California schools winning the Blue Ribbon School competition over the past five years, 15 percent (27) were lead by principals prepared at National University.

The California Distinguished Schools program is a statewide competition that assesses elementary and secondary schools in alternate years. Over the past four years, more than 12 percent (125) of the 1071 winning schools were headed by principals prepared at National University. In San Diego County, 27 percent (32) of the 120 winning schools were headed by National University alumni.

National University's School of Education is also recognized for the diversity of its graduates and credential completers. Black Issues in Higher Education ranks the San Diego-based private non-profit university first in the nation in granting master's degrees in education to all minorities.

To review CCTC data on teacher credentialing online, visit the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing's web site at http://www.ctc.ca.gov/reports/TS_2002_2003.pdf .  The source of credentialed teachers by university begins on page 16 of the CCTC report.

For more information regarding National University's School of Education, please contact David Neville, director of information and community relations, at (858) 642-8163.

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