Delaware State University Earns A+ National Recognition for Preparing Future Elementary Teachers in the Science of Reading

DOVER, Del. — Delaware State University is celebrating a major milestone in teacher education. The university's undergraduate elementary teacher preparation program has earned an A+ rating from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) for how effectively it prepares future educators to teach reading to elementary students — placing Del State among the top-performing programs in the nation.

The recognition comes from NCTQ's 2026 Teacher Prep Review: Decoding Progress in Reading Preparation, a comprehensive national examination of more than 700 elementary teacher preparation programs. Del State's Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education earned the highest possible mark, an A+, for grounding its literacy coursework in the science of reading — the evidence-based body of research on how children learn to read.

“This A+ rating from NCTQ highlights Delaware State University's commitment to preparing highly effective elementary educators through literacy coursework grounded in the science of reading,” said Dr. Michael G. Ryan, Associate Professor of Elementary Education and the Elementary Education Program Coordinator. “Our redesigned program aligns evidence-based reading instruction with extensive classroom practice, giving teacher candidates opportunities to apply what they learn in real-world settings.”

The distinction carries real weight for the classrooms these graduates will one day lead. National data shows that roughly two out of every five fourth graders cannot read at a basic level, and one in five people shows symptoms commonly associated with dyslexia. By equipping its graduates with proven, research-backed reading instruction methods, Del State is helping to close that gap — ensuring that the next generation of teachers can give their students the strongest possible foundation in literacy.

As one of the nation's premier Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Delaware State University continues to expand its reputation for academic excellence and community impact. This latest honor reinforces the university's role in producing classroom-ready educators who are prepared to make a measurable difference in the lives of young learners.

For students considering a future in education, Del State's elementary education program offers a clear message: teacher candidates here graduate ready to teach reading the right way. Learn more about Delaware State University's academic programs at www.desu.edu.