Lipscomb University College of Education among the top in the nation for preparing future teachers in the science of reading

Elementary teacher prep programs achieve top marks in new report from the National Council on Teacher Quality

Kim Chaudoin  |  06/09/2026

Lipscomb University’s College of Education has once again been recognized for having one of the top teacher preparation programs in the nation.

Lipscomb’s undergraduate and graduate teacher preparation programs have been recognized by the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) for their rigorous preparation of future teachers in how to teach reading to elementary students, earning top marks in the organization’s new report, Teacher Prep Review: Decoding Progress in Reading Preparation, released today.

NCTQ recognized Lipscomb’s programs for meeting standards set by literacy experts for coverage of the most effective methods of reading instruction — often called the “science of reading.” Lipscomb’s Master of Education program in Instructional Practice, Grades K-5 with ELL, earned an “A+,” one of only 38 programs across the country and one of 5 in Tennessee to do so. It’s undergraduate program in Elementary Education K-5 with Special Education Licensure is among just 124 nationwide and 8 in Tennessee to earn an “A” or higher. 

The report found that Lipscomb’s programs prepare aspiring teachers in all five components of scientifically based reading instruction: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension and vocabulary. The programs also avoid many instructional practices that research has shown to be ineffective or counterproductive for teaching children to read.

“This recognition is a significant affirmation of Lipscomb’s commitment to preparing educators at the highest level — teachers and leaders who are equipped to deliver their best for students and make an immediate and lasting impact in the classroom,” said Lipscomb President Candice McQueen. “Preparing educators with the knowledge, skills and tools they need to help students flourish has been a priority for many years at Lipscomb University, and this national recognition reflects the strength of that commitment and the exceptional work of our College of Education faculty.”

A child’s ability to read proficiently in the early grades shapes everything that comes next in school and in life. Yet according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), about 40% of fourth-grade students nationwide — well over 1.4 million children in the U.S. —cannot read at a basic level. In Tennessee, only 61% of fourth grad students read at or above a basic level. Teacher preparation is one of the most direct levers available to change that, but only if it is aligned with research-based instructional methods proven to help most students become successful readers.

“At Lipscomb, we believe teacher preparation must be deeply connected to what research tells us works for students,” said Leslie Cowell, dean of Lipscomb’s College of Education. “Few skills shape a child’s future more than the ability to read well, and our faculty have been intentional about preparing future educators to teach reading with confidence, skill and a clear understanding of how children learn. This recognition reflects the strength of that work and our shared commitment to preparing teachers who can meet the needs of every learner.”

Lipscomb University is part of a growing group of teacher preparation programs nationwide helping transform how future teachers are trained to teach reading. This is the second time Lipscomb has been recognized by NCTQ for its excellence in preparing teachers in the science of reading. In 2023, Lipscomb’s graduate program received an “A” from the organization.

“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 NCTQ President Heather Peske. “Across the country, many teacher preparation programs still do not fully align with the science of reading, but Lipscomb University 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 Lipscomb University.

To earn an “A,” programs must demonstrate that coursework for future elementary teachers includes all five core components of scientifically based reading instruction and avoid teaching more than three instructional methods that are unsupported by the research on effective reading instruction. To earn an “A+,” programs must exceed those targets and avoid teaching any instructional practices unsupported by research.

Lipscomb University’s College of Education is consistently recognized for having one of the most effective teacher preparation programs in Tennessee and in the nation. This spring, the college was recognized as one of Tennessee’s most effective teacher and leader preparation programs for the 14th consecutive year, based on data from the Tennessee State Board of Education’s Educator Preparation Report Card.

Lipscomb also recently became the first university in Tennessee to earn International Dyslexia Association accreditation for its undergraduate and initial teacher licensure programs. The recognition affirms the college’s alignment with IDA’s Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading — rigorous, research-based expectations that prepare educators to deliver high-quality, structured literacy instruction proven to support all learners, including students with dyslexia.

The college is also helping strengthen the teacher pipeline through innovative workforce partnerships. Last year, Lipscomb was named by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development as the state’s first early childhood education apprenticeship hub, positioning the university at the forefront of addressing critical workforce needs in early childhood education while providing aspiring educators with a fully funded pathway to a bachelor’s degree.

In addition, Lipscomb has developed a number of Grow Your Own partnerships in recent years, including the Leading and Innovating for Future Teachers program. Through LIFT, Lipscomb provides full tuition and fees each year for a cohort of 10 Metro Nashville Public Schools students to enter the teacher preparation program. The college also has received a number of grants to develop and support other Grow Your Own partnerships in high-need disciplines and districts.

The college’s commitment to innovation has also earned national recognition. In February, the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education announced Lipscomb as the recipient of the 2026 AACTE Best Practice Award for the Innovative Use of Technology. The award recognizes an innovative use of educational technologies that transcends conventional teaching methods and brings about transformative changes in educational practices.

In fall 2021, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation named Lipscomb a recipient of the Frank Murray Leadership Recognition for Continuous Improvement, further reflecting the college’s sustained commitment to quality, innovation and educator preparation. Learn more about Lipscomb’s College of Education at www.lipscomb.edu/education.

About NCTQ
The National Council on Teacher Quality: NCTQ is a nonpartisan research and policy organization on a mission to ensure every child has access to an effective teacher and every teacher has the opportunity to be effective. We believe a strong, diverse teacher workforce is critical for providing all students with equitable educational opportunities. Fore more information about NCTQ, visit www.nctq.org.

See NCTQ’s report, Teacher Prep Review: Decoding Progress in Reading Preparation for more information about Lipscomb University’s coverage of the science of reading and to see how Lipscomb University compares to other programs in Tennessee or across the country.

—Photos: Kristi Jones