Carroll College’s Teacher Education Program has earned state accreditation and approval through Spring 2033 following a comprehensive review by the Montana Office of Public Instruction and approval by the Montana Board of Public Education.
The Board formally approved the State Exit Report for Carroll’s Educator Preparation Program at its July 23, 2026 meeting. The decision followed an extensive accreditation process that included review of Carroll’s educator preparation programs and endorsement areas and an on-site visit conducted February 24–25.
The accreditation review was conducted by a team of qualified educators assembled by the Montana Office of Public Instruction, including teachers, college faculty, administrators, and content specialists. Reviewers examined program reports and supporting evidence and met with groups representing the Carroll education community, including faculty, teacher candidates, alumni, cooperating teachers, school partners, and other stakeholders.
Carroll received ratings of Met or Met with Notation across the review, with no “areas for improvement” or “stipulations.”
The quality of the program and the participation of the Carroll community drew particular praise during the Montana Board of Public Education’s May 21 meeting, when the State Exit Report was presented to the Board as an informational item.
Crystal Andrews, who led the review for the Montana Office of Public Instruction, described the experience as “a wonderful visit at Carroll College.” She noted the strong participation in the review’s focus groups and told the Board that “every single group just made me more and more excited about their programs and other offerings.”
Members of the Board also commented on the strength of the findings. Board Co-Chair Dr. Ron Slinger congratulated the program, noting, “Met and Met with Notation, that’s pretty darn good,” and thanked Carroll for its work in educator preparation.
Following the Board’s July approval, State Superintendent Susie Hedalen formally notified Carroll of its accreditation through Spring 2033. In her letter, Hedalen commended the accreditation team for hosting a “smooth, comprehensive, and highly successful on-site visit,” noting that the professionalism, preparation, and transparency demonstrated during the review were exemplary.
The letter further recognized the broader strength of educator preparation at Carroll:
“The Teacher Education Program at Carroll College continues to distinguish itself as a rigorous, student-centered academic program that is highly regarded throughout the state of Montana.”
The successful accreditation represents the work of a much larger community. Carroll’s education faculty and staff prepared program reports and evidence for the review, while teacher candidates, alumni, cooperating teachers, school administrators, advisory partners, and others participated in focus groups and provided reviewers with perspectives on the preparation Carroll provides future educators.
The seven-year accreditation affirms Carroll’s continued commitment to rigorous educator preparation, strong partnerships with P–12 schools, and the preparation of knowledgeable, skilled, and ethical educators ready to serve students and communities throughout Montana and beyond.
