The National Council on Teacher Quality has ranked the University of Iowa’s College of Education as a top-tier undergraduate program in secondary education, one of just 16 programs nationwide to earn the distinction.

The rankings—which take into account program admissions standards, subject area preparation, and guidance on how to manage a classroom, among other indicators—were released May 11. Out of the 16 programs that earned top-tier status, the University of Iowa was within the top 2 percent.

“Being designated as one of the top 16 secondary education programs in the nation is well-deserved recognition of the College of Education’s faculty and the excellent teacher candidates who successfully complete the program,” says Nancy Langguth, associate dean for teacher education and student services.

Secondary education candidates in the University of Iowa teacher education program must meet high admission standards and complete a major in the content area they will teach. This is in addition to robust teacher training that meets and exceeds Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium core teaching standards for Iowa licensure.

To read more about the new ranking, please visit the College of Education website.