Accreditation
The Teacher Education Unit at the University of North Florida is accredited by:
The Silverfield College of Education and Human Services received notice of continued accreditation status by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) from Fall 2025 through fall 2032. This renews our previous accreditation status, received in 2019 from the accrediting body for Initial Teacher Preparation programs and the Advanced Program in Educational Leadership.
The following outcome measures identified by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) demonstrate effectiveness and impact of UNF graduates from Initial Teacher Preparation and Advanced programs working as teachers and school leaders.

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
1140 19th St NW, #400
Washington, DC 22036
(202) 223-0077
Programs in the Silverfield College of Education & Human Services are accredited and approved by the following:
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
- Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA)
- Commission on Collegiate Interpreter Education (CCIE)
- Council of Education of the Deaf (CED)
- Florida Department of Education (FDOE)
| Program | Accreditation/Approval |
|---|---|
| Prek-Primary with ESOL/Reading (Bachelor’s) | FDOE, CAEP |
| Elementary K-6 with ESOL/Reading (Bachelor’s, Master’s) | FDOE, CAEP |
| Middle School Math/Science (Bachelor’s) | FDOE, CAEP |
| Chemistry, Biology, Physics 6-12 (Bachelor’s, Master’s) | FDOE, CAEP |
| ESocial Science 6-12 (Bachelor’s, Master’s) | FDOE, CAEP |
| English with ESOL/Reading 6-12 (Bachelor’s, Master’s) | FDOE, CAEP |
| Mathematics 6-12 (Bachelor’s, Master’s) | FDOE, CAEP |
| Deaf Education with ESOL/Reading (Bachelor’s) | FDOE, CAEP, CED |
| Exceptional Student Education K-12 with ESOL/Reading (Bachelor’s, Master’s) | FDOE, CAEP |
| *Music Education (Bachelor’s) | FDOE, CAEP |
| Guidance and School Counseling PK-12 (Master’s) | FDOE, CACREP |
| Educational Leadership (Master’s) | FDOE, CAEP |
| ASL English Interpreting | CCIE |
| Sport Management | COSMA |
*Music Education program is located in the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Music
CAEP Accountability Measures for Initial and Advanced Programs
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Measure #1: Completer Effectiveness (Initial)
Measure #1 - Completer Effectiveness (Initial)
(a.) Completer Effectiveness
Completer effectiveness in applying professional knowledge, skills and dispositions is based on Teacher Evaluations for 2022-2023 completers employed in an in-field instructional position in 2023-2024 and is reported in the 2026 Annual Program Performance Report issued by the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE). School/district measures used to determine student learning gains make up a portion of completers' teacher evaluation rating. The EPP ascertains those completers earning Highly Effective or Effective summative ratings also had student learning gains on local measures.
Definition of Performance Evaluation System: FLDOE Performance Evaluation
Evaluation systems must differentiate among the following four levels of performance:
- Highly Effective
- Effective
- Needs Improvement or, for instructional personnel in the first three years of employment, Developing
- Unsatisfactory
- Others: "Not Evaluated" means the instructional staff member or school administrator was not required to be evaluated
Elementary Education: 42 Candidates Evaluated

Programs with fewer than 30 completers evaluated:
- PreK-Primary: 8 Evaluated
- 4 Highly Effective
- 4 Effective
- Biology 6-12: 1 Evaluated
- 1 Effective
- English 6-12: 7 Evaluated
- 4 Highly Effective
- 3 Effective
- Math 6-12: 4 Evaluated
- 2 Highly Effective
- 2 Effective
- Middle Grades Math/Gen Science: 1 Evaluated
- 1 Effective
- Social Science 6-12: 8 Evaluated
- 4 Highly Effective
- 4 Effective
- Deaf Education: 7 Evaluated
- 2 Highly Effective
- 2 Effective
- 3 3-Yrs Developing
- Exceptional Student Education: 11 Evaluated
- 5 Highly Effective
- 5 Effective
- 1 3-Yrs Developing
- Music Education: 4 Evaluated
- 2 Highly Effective
- 2 Effective
(b.) Completer Impact
Completer impact is based on completer VAM, or value-added model used to determine Student Learning Growth (SLG) results. VAM scores are calculated using K-12 student performance on statewide tests in ELA and/or Math to determine contribution to learning growth. A K-12 student’s expected score is based on the student’s prior test score history and measured characteristics, as well as how other K-12 students in the state actually performed on the assessment. The VAM is reported as a decimal number where zero represents expected growth. A score greater than zero represents a positive contribution to learning growth. VAM scores provided are for 2023-2024 program completers employed in an in-field instructional position in 2024-2025.
19% percent of completers contributed to K-12 student learning growth shown through positive VAM scores above zero. 81% of completers' P-12 students had expected growth or VAM scores below zero.
The tables show the VAM scores for the applicable programs. The navy bar represents the zero line.
Elementary Education: Math VAM
-0.01 -0.18 -0.223 -0.292 -0.369 -0.369 -0.411 -0.462 -0.464 Elementary Education: ELA VAM
0.083 0.032 -0.001 -0.007 -0.014 -0.023 -0.031 -0.053
-0.06
-0.102
-0.125 -0.132 English Education: ELA VAM
0.491 0.358 0.065 -0.048 -0.226 -
Measure #2: Satisfaction of Employers and Stakeholder Involvement (Initial, Advanced)
Measure #2 - Satisfaction of Employers and Stakeholder Involvement (Initial, Advanced)
Initial Licensure Programs
UNF teacher preparation provides an annual employer survey to principals/employers of graduates in their first or second year of employment. Employer survey items align with the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices (FEAPs) and InTASC standards to gauge perceptions of preparedness of graduates for the responsibilities required of a professionally certified teacher.
Employer Satisfaction Survey Results – 2026
*Employer Response: Surveys Sent = 83, Surveys Returned= 54 (65%)
Description: Employers of UNF graduates were asked to what degree the employed UNF graduate was able to perform in the following areas:
Standards FEAP Description Not Applicable Very Unprepared Somewhat Unprepared Neither Prepared nor Unprepared Somewhat Prepared Very Prepared Total FEAPs 1, InTASC 1, 2, 7, CAEP 1
Plan instruction 0% 6% 4% 1% 26% 63% 54 FEAPs 2, InTASC 3, CAEP 1
Design effective classroom environments 0% 6% 9% 0% 28% 57% 54 FEAPs 2b, InTASC 3, CAEP 1 Maintain effective classroom management 0% 7% 7% 2% 43% 41% 54 FEAP 3, InTASC 4,5 CAEP 1 Deliver engaging lessons that respond to learners' needs 0% 4% 9% 0% 35% 52% 54 FEAPs 3h, InTASC 4, CAEP 1 Modify and differentiate instruction for diverse learners' needs 0% 6% 9% 0% 44% 41% 54 FEAPs 1, 3, 6, InTASC 4, 9, CAEP 1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the FLorida Standards to guide instruction 0% 4% 4% 1% 30% 61% 54 FEAPs 4, InTASC 6, 9, CAEP 1 Design and modify assessments 0% 6% 3% 13% 37% 41% 54 FEAPs 4, InTASC 6, 9, CAEP 1 Use assessment data to plan instruction 0% 6% 7% 6% 31% 50% 54 FEAPs 5, InTASC 9, CAEP 1 Engage in continuous professional development 0% 4% 1% 4% 22% 69% 54 FEAPs 5, CAEP 1 Engage in reflective teaching practices 0% 4% 7% 6% 21% 62% 52 FEAPs 1, 3, 4, InTASC 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, CAEP 1 Apply appropriate measures to improve students' reading and computational processes 0% 4% 8% 13% 30% 45% 53 FEAPs 3, InTASC 5, 8, 10, CAEP 1 Effectively use technology for instructional purposes 0% 2% 2% 6% 21% 70% 53 FEAPs 6, InTASC 9, CAEP 1 Abide by professional responsibilities and code of ethics 0% 4% 4% 2% 15% 75% 53 StandardsFEAPs 3, InTASC 2, 7, 8 Teach English Language Limited Students 0% 2% 6% 13% 36% 43% 53 StandardsFEAPs 3, InTASC 2, 7, 8 Teach students with exceptionalities 0% 2% 11% 9% 40% 38% 53 Advanced Programs
The purpose of the Employer Satisfaction Survey is to ascertain the preparation of graduates of the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership degree program at UNF to serve in Florida schools. The leadership candidates who graduate from the degree have a variety of options to them for leadership positions, as designed by the local districts, with some districts requiring additional in-district training before a graduate can apply for an Assistant Principal position. Graduates of the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership degree may choose to work at the district level as a supervisor or director, serve as an instructional coach, or serve in a dean role within the school setting. In addition to Assistant Principal, the above-mentioned roles are also recognized as leadership roles. For this reason, the survey seeks input from school supervisors and principals about the graduates of the degree who serve in their school settings in leadership roles. Employer survey items align with the Florida Educational Leadership Standards (FELS).
Employer Satisfaction Survey Results – 2026
*Employer Response: Surveys Sent = 13, Surveys Returned = 7 (54%)
Description: Employers of UNF graduates were asked to what degree the employed UNF graduate was able to perform in the following areas:
Standards FELS Description Not Applicable Very Unprepared Somewhat Unprepared Neither Prepared nor Unprepared Somewhat Prepared Very Prepared Total FELS 1 Act ethically and according to professional norms to promote the academic success and well-being of all students 0% 0% 0% 0% 14% 86% 7 FELS 2 Collaborate with parents, students, and other stakeholders to develop, communicate, and enact a shared vision, mission, and core values to promote the academic success and well-being of all students 0% 0% 0% 0% 14% 86% 7 FELS 3 Manage school operations and resources to cultivate a safe school environment and promote the academic success and well-being of all students 0% 0% 0% 0% 43% 57% 7 FELS 4 Enable continuous improvement to promote the academic success and well-being of all students 0% 0% 0% 0% 43% 57% 7 FELS 5 Cultivate a caring, rigorous, and supportive school community that promotes the academic success and well-being of all students 0% 0% 0% 0% 14% 86% 7 FELS 6 Build the collective and individual professional capacity of school personnel by creating support systems and offering professional learning to promote the academic success and well-being of all students 0% 0% 0% 0% 43% 57% 7 FELS 7 Cultivate, support, and develop other student leaders to promote the academic success and well-being of all students 0% 0% 0% 0% 43% 57% 7 FELS 8 Utilize multiple means of reciprocal communication to build relationships and collaborate with parents, families, and other stakeholders to promote the academic success and well-being of all students 0% 0% 0% 0% 43% 57% 7 -
Measure #3: Candidate Competency at Completion (Initial, Advanced)
Measure #3 - Candidate Competency at Completion (Initial, Advanced)
Initial Licensure Programs
Teacher candidates must pass all portions of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam before graduating. Candidates in initial licensure programs test for the Subject Area and Professional Educator Exam.
Candidate Readiness based on passage rates on educator certification examinations under Section 1012.56, F.S., is based on the performance of completers on required assessments for program completion, as measured by first and second attempt pass rates,” as stated in Rule 6A-5.066(1)(e), F.A.C. Below is a first and second attempt pass rate for candidate exams taken in summer 2023 - spring 2024 and reported in the 2026 Annual Program Performance Report issued by the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE).
Program Subject Area Exam Pass Rate Professional Educator Exam Pass Rate Elementary/ESOL/Reading 91% 100% Exceptional Student Education 71% 71% Deaf Education 100% 100% PreK-Primary 100% 78% Music 100% 64% English/ESOL 100% 100% Social Science 71% 100% Middle Grades General Science 100% 100% Middle Grades Math 100% 100% Math 100% 100% Chemistry 100% 100% Biology 100% 100% Physics N/A N/A Advanced Licensure
M.Ed School Leadership candidates take the Florida Educational Leadership Examination (FELE), which consists of three subtests: Leadership for Student Learning, Organizational Development, Systems Leadership (includes a written performance component). A passing score on the FELE exam is required to graduate. Below is a first and second attempt pass rate for summer 2023 - spring 2024.
FELE Passed 1st Attempt Passed 2nd Attempt FELE Subtest 1 76% 78% FELE Subtest 2 89% 33% FELE Subtest 3 68% 40% FELE Subtest 3: Essay 68% 60% -
Measure #4: Ability of Completers to be Hired in Education Positions for Which They Have Been Prepared (Initial, Advanced)
Measure #4 - Ability of Completers to be Hired in Education Positions for Which They Have Prepared (Initial, Advanced)
Initial Licensure Programs
2023-2024 completers by program employed in 2024-2025, as reported in the 2026 FLDOE Annual Program Performance Report (2024 APPR).
The EPP had an 80% (102/127) employment rate. Below is a breakdown by program.
Program Number of Completers Number of Completers Employed Biology Education 2 1 Chemistry Education 1 1 Deaf Education 7 5 Elementary Education 52 33 English Education 8 6 Exceptional Student Education
7 6 Mathematics Education 1 1 Music Education 8 6 Middle Grades Math/Science Education
2 2 PreK-Primary Education 9
4
Social Science Education
14
11
Advanced Programs
The following table displays leadership positions held by 2023-2024 graduates of the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership program, as reported in the 2025 Florida Department of Education Final Employment Report. It should be noted that candidates who enter the M.Ed. Educational Leadership program already work in schools, typically in instructional positions, and may not transition into a leadership position for a year or more after the completion of their degrees due to additional local school district requirements for internal district level training and expectations. Assistant principal training programs may vary by school district but are typically a year in length.
8/31 (26%) completers are serving in a leadership capacity in local districts.
Position Held # of Positions Assistant Principal 7 Program Specialist
1