Millikin University’s Elementary Education Program Achieves Prestigious ‘Exemplary’ Rating from ISBE for 2024!

Every year, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) evaluates teacher preparation programs across the state.

Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois, has something to celebrate. Their Elementary Education program just received an “Exemplary” rating from the ISBE. This is the highest accolade the board offers in their annual assessments.

This marks the fourth consecutive year that Millikin’s program has achieved this top rating. In fact, it has consistently improved over the years. According to Dr. Chris Cunnings, the program’s director, the ratings from 2020 to 2024 show a remarkable increase: 76%, 82%, 84%, 92%, and now staying at 92% for the last two years.

The ISBE set up this evaluation system in 2020 to ensure that new teachers in Illinois are ready to teach on day one. The evaluations focus on different aspects, like the quality of teaching candidates and their performance in the classroom. Programs are scored and categorized as “Exemplary” (75% or more), “Commendable” (50-74.9%), “Developing” (25-49.9%), or “Needs Improvement” (less than 25%).

Millikin’s School of Education gives its students valuable experiences through programs and events like the Interview Bootcamp and the Tomorrow’s Teachers Conference. These opportunities not only help students grow as teachers but also help them build strong professional networks for their careers.

Dr. Cunnings expressed pride in the program’s achievements, emphasizing the efforts of the faculty in continually enhancing the curriculum. This year, they also hosted their best-attended Tomorrow’s Teachers Conference, showing a commitment to not just education, but also to advancing the teaching profession as a whole.

The success of Millikin’s Elementary Education program reflects its dedication to producing skilled and prepared educators. Students graduate with the confidence and capabilities needed to make a real difference in the classroom.