Message from UA President Jim Johnsen: UAA initial licensure programs
by Jess |
Dear UAA Teacher Education Student -
I know that waiting for a decision about UAA's School of Education reaccreditation has been a long and emotional time for you, and I'm sorry for that wait, but I believe thorough review of UAA's programs for today's Board of Regents' decision gives each of you a certain path forward as a teacher in Alaska.
Resolving how best to provide this path for you has been our highest priority, and we still have much work to do. As of today, we can tell you that if you plan to seek a degree that leads to initial licensure to become a teacher you will be able to complete your program in Anchorage, but you will need to transfer to a UAF or UAS program. However, today's decision does not affect non-initial licensure programs.
We can also say that you will be able to complete your program in Anchorage. Most importantly, you will graduate from an accredited and state approved teacher preparation program. Your faculty will be highly-regarded professors from either UAF or UAS. They will work with you to ensure your educational goals. But not everything is known right now. Details will be worked out in the coming weeks and there will be a forum on April 12 with faculty to explore options and answer questions. Our goal is to give each of you a certain pathway to graduation and licensure in the State of Alaska.
Though this decision may disappoint some of you, I hope you will come to realize that it is the only option to provide you with a clear path to licensure. I also hope you will stay the course, graduate, remain in Alaska to teach our children, and contribute your unique talents to Alaska's future.
I have full confidence in our faculty's ability to meet your needs. The teams from UAF and UAS will follow up with you to provide the resources to complete your transfer if you choose to do so. If you do not, I hope you will remain at UAA as you pursue your degree.
You can find answers to questions you may have about this action at www.alaska.edu/research. I appreciate your involvement in and passion for UAA, for your future as an educator, and for your patience as we navigate this challenging situation.
Sincerely,
Jim Johnsen President, University of Alaska
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