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ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ Earns National ‘A’ Rating for Teacher Preparation in Reading

THIBODAUX, La. – The elementary teacher education program at ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ has earned an “A” from the National Council on Teacher Quality for how effectively it prepares future educators to teach children to read.

In the national report “Teacher Prep Review: Decoding Progress in Reading Preparation,â€� ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ was recognized for fully aligning its curriculum with the “science of reading.” This approach focuses on five core areas: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension.

“Our faculty work incredibly hard to ensure our graduates enter the classroom ready to make a difference on day one,” said Dr. Kimi Reynolds, dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. “This recognition shows that ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ is helping lead the way in tackling the literacy crisis at its root.”

According to national data, 4 in 10 fourth graders in Louisiana struggle to read at a basic level. The NCTQ report emphasizes that properly training teachers in evidence-based methods is the single most effective way to change that statistic.

To evaluate the program, NCTQ experts thoroughly reviewed ÐÓ°É´«Ã½â€™ course syllabi, lecture topics, reading assignments and student-teaching opportunities to ensure the program avoids outdated, ineffective teaching methods.

“Every child deserves a teacher who knows how to teach reading, and every teacher deserves to be set up for success,” said NCTQ President Heather Peske. “ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ is demonstrating what strong preparation looks like.”

To learn more about the report and view the rankings, visit .Ìý

For information on ÐÓ°É´«Ã½’ education programs, visit www.nicholls.edu/education.Ìý

About ÐÓ°É´«Ã½

ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ serves Louisiana’s coastal communities and beyond. Its College of Education and Behavioral Sciences is dedicated to preparing high-quality educators who meet the evolving needs of Louisiana’s schools and communities.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, June 24, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT: Payton Suire

Media Relations & Publications Coordinator, 

985.448.4141 or payton.suire@nicholls.edu

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