The accreditation for teacher preparation programs affirms both the history and future of teacher education at St. Kate’s.
St. Catherine University’s education unit has renewed its accreditation from the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB), earning continued approval through 2032, and reinforcing the university’s commitment to preparing highly qualified classroom educators.
“This continuing approval reflects the strength of our programs and our systems for running them effectively,” said Christina Moe, unit leader of the Education Department at St. Catherine University. “It’s about maintaining high-quality teacher preparation programs and continuously improving to meet the needs of our students and the students and communities they will serve.”
The University’s education unit encompasses the systems, structures, and programs that support licensure pathways, including early childhood education and library media specialist. Individual licensure programs undergo separate, regular review cycles, ensuring that both program content and pedagogy meet rigorous state standards.
St. Kate’s Early Childhood Education program, launched in 2017, has become a central part of that effort. Designed to prepare teachers to work with children from birth through third grade, the program aligns with current state priorities, including the Minnesota READ Act and the growing emphasis on the science of reading. This alignment ensures graduates are equipped with evidence-based instructional strategies that respond to evolving educational expectations.
In addition to its core Early Childhood licensure program, St. Kate’s also offers a pre-primary endorsement, which allows licensed elementary teachers to expand their credentials to work with children ages three to six. The endorsement provides added flexibility for educators while addressing a critical workforce need. Early childhood education remains a designated teacher shortage area in Minnesota, increasing demand for well-prepared professionals.
St. Kate’s K-12 School Library Media Specialist licensure graduate program prepares students to become school librarians and technology integration specialists. This program holds a distinct place in the region’s educational landscape as the only school library program in the state accredited by the American Library Association(ALA), allowing students to earn their K-12 license at the same time as an accredited MLIS degree. Graduates are ready to lead school media centers, integrate innovative technology into the K-12 curricula, and foster critical thinking and digital literacy across diverse student populations.
“What makes our programs stand out is the application of liberatory education theory, honoring each child by incorporating them directly into the curriculum,” Early Childhood and Montessori Program Director Molly Wheeler noted. Candidates engage in hands-on fieldwork in inclusion and special education classrooms, gaining practical experience in supporting learners with exceptionalities. Coursework also emphasizes culturally responsive teaching that prepares candidates to adapt instruction for all students, including multilingual learners and those with exceptionalities in ways that validate their assets and funds of knowledge.
The renewed accreditation comes at a meaningful moment for St. Kate’s, as the University celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Education Department this year, reflecting the institution’s history of innovation in teacher preparation, including the early integration of the Montessori pedagogy.
“Our goal is not only to license educators, but to prepare reflective, skilled practitioners who are best equipped to teach children in today’s world,” Moe shared. “This renewed accreditation shows we’re addressing real needs holistically and with intention.”
Today, that legacy continues through modernized programs designed to be more accessible and responsive to students and employers alike. Recent efforts have streamlined program pathways and clarified requirements, making it easier for prospective students and working educators to navigate their options and advance their careers.