Indianapolis, Indiana – The University of Indianapolis School of Education is celebrating a major academic milestone after earning top-tier accreditations for its reading instruction programs. The university has been recognized by three respected organizations—International Dyslexia Association (IDA), National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ), and TPI-US—for aligning its programs with the Science of Reading, a research-based approach to literacy instruction that is reshaping how educators teach children to read.
These achievements place UIndy among a select group of institutions nationwide that have demonstrated rigorous standards and an unwavering commitment to preparing future teachers to deliver effective, evidence-based literacy instruction.
“These accreditations showcase and validate the deep commitment our faculty and staff have made to preparing future teachers who are equipped to help all students become strong readers,” said Dr. Libby Turner, director of undergraduate students in the School of Education. “These are not easy recognitions to achieve. I truly believe that we have the best program in the state of Indiana and one of the best programs for teaching teachers in the entire country.”
Each of the three accrediting bodies conducted a separate, detailed review process of UIndy’s programs. The NCTQ conducted a comprehensive evaluation of syllabi and course content. As a result, it awarded A+ grades to the Elementary Education undergraduate program, the Elementary Transition to Teaching program, and the Special Education Transition to Teaching program.
TPI-US went beyond the paperwork, combining a written review with a full week of on-campus observation, in line with recommendations from the Indiana Department of Education’s Science of Reading Review. Their findings rated all three of UIndy’s reviewed literacy instruction pathways—elementary undergraduate, elementary transition, and special education transition—as “STRONG,” which is among their highest levels of approval.
Meanwhile, the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) added a distinctive layer of analysis. Their process involved not only a written materials review but also a video analysis of future teachers as they tutored K-6 students. These video sessions were accompanied by faculty feedback and coaching. The IDA awarded its highest distinction, Accreditation PLUS, to the undergraduate Elementary Education program. The remaining programs, including credentialing for Master’s-level Literacy Specialists and Coaches, received full Accreditation status.
Achieving this broad sweep of recognition was no small task. The School of Education’s literacy team undertook a full overhaul of the curriculum. Blaire Dosmann, Shannon Fischer, Stacy Knoop, Kassy Morales, Megan Thompson, Libby Turner, Joanne Warner, and team leader Tracy Johnson worked together with student teaching coordinators Brooke Hooper, Stephanie Morell, and Kate Reinhardt. Their work included designing new courses, reworking syllabi, selecting new textbooks, building new practicum experiences, and updating assessments and observation standards.
Support also came from the School of Education’s leadership, including Dean John Kuykendall, Associate Dean John Somers, and faculty member Jean Lee, all of whom played a vital role in guiding the program’s strategic vision.
“It took an entire team to accomplish this and I am very grateful for their efforts,” said Turner. “We remain committed to educating the next generation of teachers so that they can help future generations of students reach their full potential.”
While the recognition is a significant milestone, the work continues. The university is preparing for a final TPI-US review of its Secondary Literacy Program in the upcoming academic year. Faculty members Molly Dury, Kate Reinhardt, and Sarah Denney are already leading those efforts.
These accreditations not only affirm the high quality of teacher preparation at the University of Indianapolis, but also underscore a broader commitment to literacy as a cornerstone of educational success. With reading proficiency being one of the most critical skills for long-term academic achievement, UIndy’s work is helping to ensure that future teachers are ready to make a meaningful impact in classrooms across the country.
