Published on June 29, 2026 by Joelle Youngblood  
Nadia Hollings Teaching

Once again recognized among the nation’s leaders in teacher preparation, Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education earned an A+ rating for its undergraduate programs and an A rating for its graduate programs by the National Council on Teacher Quality’s (NCTQ).

The ratings reflect the school’s commitment to preparing future educators in the science of reading, a research-based approach to literacy instruction that emphasizes phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. NCTQ’s review also evaluates whether programs avoid instructional practices that are not supported by reading research.

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“This recognition reflects the dedication of our faculty to preparing future educators with the knowledge and skills needed to help every child become a successful reader,” said Anna McEwan, dean of Orlean Beeson School of Education. “We are committed to ensuring our graduates enter the classroom equipped with research-based instructional practices that make a meaningful difference for students.”

Among Alabama institutions reviewed by NCTQ, Samford was one ofseven undergraduate programs to receive an A+ rating and one of 10 graduate programs to earn an A. The recognition comes as Alabama continues to lead the nation in preparing teachers to deliver evidence-based reading instruction, with 90% of the state’s reviewed programs earning an A or A+, compared to 53% nationally.

The latest distinction builds on Samford’s long-standing commitment to literacy instruction and educator preparation. In a previous NCTQ review, Samford was recognized as one of only two institutions in the nation to earn A+ distinctions for both its undergraduate and graduate teacher preparation programs.

A nonpartisan research and policy organization, the NCTQ is dedicated to ensuring every child has access to effective teaching. Through its Teacher Prep Review, the organization evaluates educator preparation programs against research-based standards shown to improve teacher effectiveness and student learning outcomes.

 
Located in the Homewood suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford enrolls 6,324 students from 44 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s 35 Most Beautiful College Campuses, Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and boasts one of the highest scores in the nation for its 97% Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.