ALAMOSA – Adams State University is proud to announce the successful five-year reauthorization of its educator preparation programs, as unanimously approved by the Colorado State Board of Education during regular meeting in May. This reauthorization affirms the quality, effectiveness, and continued impact of the School of Education and School of Counselor Education in preparing the next generation of educators and school leaders. 

The reauthorization process, which included a rigorous site visit and comprehensive program review, recognized Adams State for its strong program design, robust clinical experiences, and deep partnerships with schools across the San Luis Valley and the state of Colorado. 

“This accomplishment reflects the deep commitment our faculty and staff bring to this work every single day,” said Director of the School of Education Curtis Garcia, Ph.D. “It honors our 104-year legacy as a teacher’s college and recognizes the tireless dedication of our educator preparation teams to train high-quality teachers, counselors, and school leaders who are making a difference across our communities.” 

Highlights from the Reauthorization Report Include: 

Strong Program Design Grounded in Mission 
Adams State’s educator preparation programs reflect a shared vision centered on equity, access, and service to rural communities. These values are evident in faculty-student interactions, course content, and school partnerships. 

Early and Diverse Clinical Experiences 

ED 230/521: Science of Reading Course Sets a High Standard 
The university's Science of Reading course, ED 230/521, was specifically praised for preparing elementary candidates with evidence-based strategies for teaching reading. The course integrates the Colorado READ Act, direct instruction on foundational reading skills, practical application in field settings, and use of a range of assessment tools. Candidate feedback indicated high satisfaction with the practical relevance of the course and the quality of faculty support. 

Alignment with Colorado Educator Standards 
Coursework and clinical activities are thoughtfully aligned with state licensure and endorsement standards, ensuring candidates are ready for real-world classrooms. Auxiliary faculty actively support this alignment through exam preparation and standards-based content integration. 

Commitment to Candidate Development 
Professional dispositions and educator ethics are evaluated across programs using structured rubrics and reflective practices. Candidates are encouraged to grow through mentorship, feedback, and ongoing dialogue with faculty. 

Culture of Continuous Improvement 
The School of Education has made strategic changes since the last reauthorization, including weekly candidate support meetings, updated admissions and orientation processes, and greater use of data for program improvement. Feedback from completers and partners is actively used to inform decisions. 

Responsive to Regional and Statewide Needs 
Program leaders work closely with PK–12 partners to match candidates to schools in need, helping address the state’s teacher shortage in rural areas. Plans are underway to explore an early childhood endorsement, aligned with local workforce needs. 

The State Review Team, which was assembled by the Colorado Department of Education to include CDE staff, representatives from other educator preparation programs, and local school district administrators, emphasized that Adams State’s educator preparation programs are not only meeting state expectations but also leading efforts to prepare culturally responsive and instructionally skilled educators for the communities that need them most. 

For more information about Adams State University's educator preparation programs, visit adams.edu.