Following an intensive yearlong review, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) has officially extended accreditation to Wittenberg’s education department, making Wittenberg the first liberal arts college in Ohio to earn such a distinction under new standards.

The department solicited a rigorous review by NCATE in 2003 as it wanted its program examined under a national microscope.

NCATE examiners were particularly impressed with the department’s mission — to produce educational leaders as a force for constructive change — and gave full accreditation in all six areas it reviewed, including teacher preparation for diverse environments, and knowledge of content and pedagogy for teaching.

“We know our teachers make a significant difference in student lives,” said Charles Novak, professor of education and the university’s NCATE coordinator, “and they deserve the recognition that comes with this national accreditation.”