NEWS

The Department of Curriculum, Instruction, and Leadership (CIL) in Louisiana Tech University’s College of Education and Human Sciences earned an A+ rating in elementary mathematics instruction from the National Council on Teacher Quality, distinguishing it as one of the top teacher preparation programs in the nation.

This evaluation praises the CIL department for preparing future educators with a strong foundation in both math content and pedagogy, ensuring that graduates are ready to meet the educational needs of today’s classrooms.

“Having an external group like the NCTQ review our work and determine that it meets the highest standards is incredibly rewarding,” Dustin Whitlock, interim department head, said. “We prioritize preparing future educators with a strong foundation, and this recognition is an indication of the work we are doing to produce graduates who are ready to meet the diverse needs of today’s learners.”

The NCTQ specifically recognized the program for its instruction in five essential components of elementary math: numbers and operations, algebraic thinking, geometry and measurement, data analysis and probability, and mathematics pedagogy.

“Our coursework emphasizes deep content understanding, evidence-based instructional practices, and the use of high-quality instructional materials aligned to standards,” Whitlock added. “We also provide early and frequent opportunities for candidates to apply their learning in real classrooms through targeted field experiences.”

A major focus of the program is ensuring teacher candidates feel confident and capable when teaching math to young learners. According to Dr. Lynne Stratton, a key leader in curriculum development, confidence is built through a combination of rigorous preparation and developmental understanding.

“We use high-quality instructional materials, but we also spend significant time helping our students identify the developmental levels at which children typically pass in each grade,” Stratton said. “This ensures our candidates can determine where their students are developmentally, create learning goals, and design plans to help students reach those goals, regardless of curriculum.”

Collaboration with local school districts also enhances the program’s impact. Field experiences and mentorship from experienced classroom teachers give Louisiana Tech candidates a practical, grounded understanding of instructional success.

“Our partners regularly provide feedback that supports our programmatic reviews,” Whitlock said. “These relationships ensure our program remains relevant and responsive to the needs of the schools we serve.”

This A+ rating reflects the College of Education and Human Sciences’ commitment to preparing excellent educators and reinforcing the strength of teacher preparation across the state and region.