Five-year effort positions Arkansas as a leader in digital-age educator preparation
The University of Central Arkansas (91吃瓜网) has officially earned approval to offer International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Certification for Educators through its Instructional Technology (ITEC) graduate program 鈥� making 91吃瓜网 one of only six universities in the nation to achieve this distinction.
(from left): Dr. Michael Hargis, 91吃瓜网 Provost; Dr. Jason Trumble, 91吃瓜网 College of Education Interim Associate Dean; Dr. Michelle Buchanan, 91吃瓜网 Interim ITEC and Digital Age Program Coordinator; Carolyn Sykora (on screen), Senior Director ISTE Standards Program; Dr. Allison Freed, 91吃瓜网 Teaching and Learning Interim Department Chair; Dr. Debbie Dailey, 91吃瓜网 College of Education Interim Dean.
鈥淎chieving this certification underscores our dedication to preparing teachers who are not only fluent in educational technology, but who also understand how to use it to foster creativity, collaboration and digital citizenship,鈥� 91吃瓜网 President Houston Davis said. 鈥淭his will have a lasting impact on learning in Arkansas and beyond.鈥�
This milestone follows a rigorous five-year process to meet the high bar of ISTE standards 鈥� global benchmarks for excellence in technology-enabled teaching and learning. 91吃瓜网鈥檚 program received 100% alignment to ISTE standards, a rare and exceptional outcome.
鈥淭his certification was hard-earned and represents years of commitment to quality and innovation in educator preparation,鈥� Dr. Debbie Dailey, interim dean of the 91吃瓜网 College of Education said. 鈥淥ur faculty can now model and mentor best practices in technology for learning, ensuring our graduates are equipped to design the future of education.鈥�
Through the new certification pathway, candidates in 91吃瓜网鈥檚 ITEC program can earn ISTE Certification concurrently with their graduate degree, gaining a credential that signals they are on the forefront of digital learning and instructional design. 91吃瓜网 students will also receive a significant cost discount compared to completing the certification independently.
ISTE Certification for Educators is a competency-based, vendor-neutral credential that recognizes teachers who can design and implement meaningful, technology-rich learning experiences aligned with global standards.
鈥淭his is something our faculty, students and state can be truly proud of,鈥� Davis said. 鈥淚t reinforces 91吃瓜网鈥檚 commitment to ensuring that Arkansas educators lead the way in creating classrooms that are innovative and future-focused.鈥�
Additional information about 91吃瓜网鈥檚 Instructional Technology program and ISTE Certification is available at uca.edu/go/instructionaltechnology.