McNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY
The bachelor’s degree in elementary education program at McNeese State University has earned an A from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) for how well future teachers are prepared to teach reading to elementary students.
The report, Teacher Prep Review: Decoding Progress in Reading Preparation, published on June 9, spotlights McNeese for meeting the standards set by literacy experts for teaching future educators the most effective methods of reading instruction. McNeese’s program is preparing aspiring teachers in all five components of scientifically based reading instruction, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension and vocabulary.
“Receiving an A designation from NCTQ for our preparation of future elementary teachers in teaching reading is an accomplishment worth celebrating,” said Dr. Jan Robichaux, dean of the Burton College of Education. “This honor reflects the expertise of our faculty, the perseverance of our candidates, and a shared commitment to ensuring every child has access to high-quality literacy instruction.”
A child’s ability to read proficiently in the early grades shapes everything that comes next in school and in life. According to National Assessment of Education Progress data, four in 10 fourth graders in Louisiana cannot read at a basic level. One of the best ways to change that is through strong, research-based teacher preparation aligned with the science of reading to ensure that future educators are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to help every child become a successful reader, according to Robichaux.
“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, NCTQ president. “McNeese is demonstrating what strong preparation can look like.”
NCTQ’s methodology is informed by a panel of reading experts, teacher preparation faculty, reading advocates and measurement experts. To evaluate the quality of preparation being provided, a team of experts at NCTQ analyzed syllabi, including lecture schedules and topics, background reading materials, class assessments, assignments, and opportunities to practice instruction in required literacy courses for elementary teacher candidates at McNeese.
“Receiving high marks from the NCQT is a testament to our unwavering commitment to academic excellence. This recognition confirms that we are providing future educators in Southwest Louisiana with the evidence-based tools they need to improve student outcomes,” said Dr. Michael Buckles, McNeese provost and vice president for academic affairs.
“It is especially gratifying that this achievement coincides with Louisiana’s upward trajectory in state-wide reading and math scores. We remain dedicated to continuously refining our programs, ensuring we provide the strongest possible support for our K-12 partners throughout Southwest Louisiana,” he added.
To see NCTQ’s report visit https://teacherquality.nctq.org/review/standard/Reading-Foundations/2026.
Anyone interested in becoming a teacher can apply to McNeese at www.www.mcneese.edu/admissions/apply/.
