NNU elementary education programs receive A+ ratings from the National Council on Teacher Quality
Northwest Nazarene University’s undergraduate and graduate elementary education programs have earned A+ ratings from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) for how well they prepare their future teachers to teach reading using research-based instructional practices.
The recognition comes as part of NCTQ’s 2026 Teacher Prep Review: Decoding Progress in Reading Preparation, which evaluates elementary teacher preparation programs across the country on their alignment with the science of reading.
NNU received the highest possible rating for both programs reviewed:
- Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education — A+
- Master of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Education — A+
The report recognizes programs that provide comprehensive instruction in all five components of scientifically based reading instruction: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. To earn an A+ rating, programs must demonstrate exceptional alignment with reading research and avoid instructional practices that are unsupported by evidence.
“NNU is deeply honored to receive national recognition for our literacy programs,” said Lisa Amundson, Professor of Education and Interim Dean of the College of Education. “Strong reading instruction begins with well-prepared teachers, and this A+ rating reflects our faculty’s deep commitment to preparing educators ready to make a meaningful difference in children’s lives. We are particularly proud of Professor Whitney Ward and her leadership in our literacy programs. She has led the way in ensuring our programs are grounded in high-quality, research-based reading instruction and that our teacher candidates are prepared to help all students become strong readers.”
The recognition reflects years of intentional work within NNU’s College of Education to ensure future educators are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to teach reading effectively. According to NCTQ, earning an A+ rating is rare and represents one of the highest distinctions a teacher preparation program can receive.
Professor Whitney Ward, NNU’s Literacy Coordinator, played a significant role in the achievement. In addition to leading literacy efforts within NNU’s teacher preparation programs, Ward is recognized across Idaho for her advocacy and leadership in literacy education.
“At NNU, we teach literacy through a biblical perspective,” said Ward. “When we consider the impact of illiteracy on individuals, families and communities, teaching children to read becomes a way we can serve the least of these. We also believe that teaching children to read equips them with the tools to read scripture for themselves, making literacy an important part of building God’s Kingdom. Our teacher candidates are passionate about teaching and reading, and that passion is evident in their field experiences, student teaching and professional practice after graduation.
“NNU actively participates in the Idaho Higher Education Literacy Partnership, a group of literacy professors from across the state who are deeply committed to improving literacy outcomes in Idaho. Together, we have worked diligently to strengthen our programs, equip future teachers and support statewide literacy initiatives. The growth reflected in NCTQ’s latest report is encouraging, and ultimately, it is great news for Idaho’s children.”
NCTQ’s evaluation process included a detailed review of course syllabi, assignments, assessments, instructional materials and opportunities for teacher candidates to practice literacy instruction. Programs were assessed on how thoroughly they prepare future elementary teachers to teach reading using methods supported by decades of scientific research.
“Every child deserves a teacher who has been well prepared to teach reading, and every teacher deserves the opportunity to enter the classroom ready to help students succeed,” said Heather Peske, President of NCTQ. “Across the country, many teacher preparation programs still do not fully align with the science of reading, but Northwest Nazarene University is demonstrating what strong preparation can look like.”
The National Council on Teacher Quality is a nonpartisan research and policy organization dedicated to ensuring every child has access to effective teachers. Its Teacher Prep Review evaluates teacher preparation programs across the nation and identifies institutions that demonstrate excellence in preparing future educators.
This recognition affirms NNU’s ongoing commitment to preparing highly qualified educators who are equipped to serve students, schools and communities throughout Idaho and beyond.
