Samford University's Orlean Bullard Beeson School of Education and Professional Studies has been named a semi-finalist by the U.S. Department of Education in a national awards program for Effective Teacher Preparation. The Samford program is one of a select group in the nation selected as a semi-finalist.

The competition recognizes "exemplary teacher preparation programs that provide evidence that their graduates are effective in helping all students improve their learning."

In keeping with the national priorities on reading and mathematics, the competition focuses on programs that prepare elementary teachers as well as on programs that prepare middle and/or high school mathematics teachers for initial certification.

Judges have already commended the Samford program for its thorough certification requirements and professional success of its graduates. Samford requires that all of its teacher education students receive certification in four areas: early childhood , early childhood special education, elementary education and elementary special education.  Collected data has shown that Samford graduates make a significant increase in K-12 student achievement at their school of employment.

As a semi-finalist, Samford will receive a site visit Sept. 6-8 by a four-member team. The team will interview education faculty and students on campus, graduates of the education program, and principals and teachers at schools which receive Samford student teachers.

Following the visits, a national awards panel will recommend finalists to the U.S. Department of Education, which will select no more than five programs for national recognition.

Samford officials will learn later this fall if the teacher education program has been selected for the honor.