FHU Receives A+ Ratings for Preparing Future Elementary Reading Teachers

HENDERSON, Tennessee (June 12, 2026) — Freed-Hardeman University's undergraduate and graduate elementary teacher preparation programs earned A+ ratings in a new report from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ), recognizing the university's commitment to preparing educators to teach reading using evidence-based practices.

The report, "Teacher Prep Review: Decoding Progress in Reading Preparation," awarded A+ grades to FHU's Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies Elementary Education (K-5) program and its Master of Arts in Teaching licensure program for elementary education.

Professor of Education and Dean of the College of Education & Behavioral Sciences Dr. Sharen Cypress said the recognition reflects the university's commitment to preparing teachers for success in the classroom.

"It reflects our commitment to equipping future educators with the essential skills and knowledge needed to teach reading effectively," Cypress said. "Our programs are designed not only to meet but to exceed the standards set by literacy experts, ensuring that our graduates are well-prepared to make a positive impact in their classrooms."

Published June 9, the report highlights how FHU's programs prepare aspiring teachers in all five components of scientifically based reading instruction: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension and vocabulary. The review also found that the programs avoid instructional approaches that research has shown to be ineffective or counterproductive for teaching children to read.

Department Chair of Education Dr. Beverly Ivy said the recognition reinforces the importance of strong literacy instruction in teacher preparation.

"At Freed-Hardeman, we believe every child deserves a teacher who is fully prepared to guide them on their literacy journey," Ivy said. "We are dedicated to preparing educators who can help students become confident, capable readers."

FHU is part of a growing number of teacher preparation programs nationwide helping transform how future educators are trained to teach reading.

"Every child deserves a teacher who has been well prepared to teach reading, and every teacher deserves the opportunity to enter the classroom ready to help students succeed," NCTQ President Heather Peske said. "Across the country, many teacher preparation programs still do not fully align with the science of reading, but Freed-Hardeman University is demonstrating what strong preparation can look like."

A child's ability to read proficiently in the early grades shapes future academic success. Yet according to NAEP data, four in 10 Tennessee fourth graders cannot read at a basic level. Teacher preparation remains one of the most effective ways to address that challenge when programs are aligned with research-based instructional practices.

NCTQ's evaluation included a review of literacy course syllabi, lecture topics, readings, assessments, assignments and clinical practice opportunities for elementary teacher candidates.

To earn an A+, programs had to demonstrate comprehensive instruction in all five core components of scientifically based reading instruction while avoiding instructional methods unsupported by research. Freed-Hardeman University's Educator Preparation program is fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), and all licensure programs offered by the Education Department are approved by the Tennessee Department of Education.

The mission of Freed-Hardeman University is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. Located in Henderson, Tennessee, FHU offers associate, bachelor's, master's, specialist and doctoral degrees.

About NCTQ

The National Council on Teacher Quality is a nonpartisan research and policy organization dedicated to ensuring every child has access to an effective teacher and every teacher has the opportunity to succeed. For more information, visit nctq.org.