Lincoln University School of Education Receives National Recognition for Excellence in Literacy Teacher Preparation

Lincoln University of Missouri’s School of Education earned top national honors from the International Literacy Association for its excellence in preparing future elementary and intermediate literacy educators.

Lincoln University of Missouri's School of Education has received national recognition from the International Literacy Association (ILA) for its elementary/intermediate classroom teacher preparation program, earning the organization's highest level of distinction for preparing future literacy educators.

Effective from June 2025 through June 2030, the five-year ILA designation affirms that Lincoln University's program meets the rigorous ILA Standards for the Preparation of Literacy Professionals (2017), which define the knowledge, skills, and dispositions essential for high-quality literacy instruction. Lincoln University’s program met all ILA standards and earned a unanimous recommendation for the designation from the ILA peer review team.

"This national recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to preparing exceptional educators who make a meaningful difference in the lives of students," said Lincoln University President John B. Moseley. "Our School of Education has demonstrated the highest standards of excellence in literacy instruction, and this honor validates the outstanding work of our faculty and the quality of preparation our teacher candidates receive."

Supported by a Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) EPP Pursuance of ILA National Recognition Grant, the Lincoln initiative to receive recognition was led by Adria Waters, LU assistant professor of education and field and clinical experiences coordinator. The process involved a comprehensive self-study and peer review evaluation of the program’s curriculum, instruction, and outcomes, such as candidate proficiency in evidence-based literacy instruction, use of assessment data to inform teaching, and demonstrated readiness to support diverse learners in elementary and intermediate classrooms.

Waters — one of eight DESE Early Literacy fellows supporting Missouri’s Read, Lead, Exceed initiative since 2022 — brought her statewide experience and expertise directly into Lincoln’s educator preparation work. The Fellows initiative, coordinated by DESE’s Office of Educator Preparation and continuing through 2030 under the Comprehensive Literacy State Development grant, fosters collaboration between P–12 educators and higher education programs to improve literacy outcomes across Missouri. Lincoln’s engagement with this initiative helped shape the program’s alignment with evidence-based practices and statewide literacy priorities—key elements in the successful ILA application and review.

"This marks a major milestone for our School of Education and future teachers," Waters said. "Graduating from a nationally recognized program affirms that they are thoroughly prepared to make a meaningful impact on student literacy."

Lincoln’s School of Education offers undergraduate teaching degrees (BSEd) across core subject areas and graduate-level degrees in counseling, administration, higher education, mental health leadership, and educational technology. For more information, visit LincolnU.edu or contact Waters at WatersA@lincolnu.edu.