Holy Cross College’s Elementary Education Program has received an A on the Reading Foundation Evaluation from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ). This achievement places the program among the best in the country. This distinction is particularly impressive given that in 2023, 50% of educator preparation programs nationwide received a D or F.
“At a time when many teacher prep programs are declining ours is flourishing,” Provost Michael Griffin said. “We have rallied under the patroness of our program, Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, to embrace teaching as a vocation to bring excellence for those most in need.”
Holy Cross’ A-rating reflects the program’s strong alignment with the Science of Reading (SOR), a research-backed approach to literacy instruction. Faculty members have worked diligently to ensure coursework meets these best practices:
- Professor Shaya Helbig, a leader in reading instruction, conducted detailed alignment studies of key courses to ensure compliance with SOR.
- Dr. Betsy Okello, from the University of Notre Dame, provided additional expertise in the program’s refinement.
- The Lilly Reading Grant, spearheaded by Professor Helbig, has further strengthened the program’s impact by enhancing literacy instruction in three local schools.
“Professor Helbig has been an incredible leader in ensuring that our reading course work is in alignment with SOR,” said Dr. Ann Bingham, Academic Director of the Education Program. “Over the past year and a half, she, along with Dr. Okello, have conducted detailed alignment studies of three of our reading courses. Professor Helbig’s expertise, organization, and dynamic teaching have been invaluable.”
What’s Next?
The Elementary Education Program is currently undergoing additional accreditation reviews, with a Self-Study Report for CAEP due in February and a TPI on-campus audit in March. As the program continues to grow, Holy Cross remains committed to excellence in teacher education, ensuring its graduates are equipped to make a lasting impact in classrooms across the state and beyond.
Real World Opportunities
In addition to a degree in elementary education and eligibility to teach at the K-6 level in the state of Indiana (which is reciprocal with all 50 US states), students in the Elementary Education program will also be prepared to teach English language learners and will be eligible for Indiana’s English as a New Language endorsement. Holy Cross Education majors will amass hundreds of hours of professional experience that will enable them to hit the ground running once they have their own classrooms.
“I cannot think of more important work than providing our youth with a sound educational foundation, President Marco Clark said. “For nearly 200 years, the Congregation of Holy Cross has been a beacon of hope by educating both the minds and the hearts of students to use their gifts to make the world a better place. I am grateful to our committed professors in this program and to our students who have said yes to this important work.”
Learn more about our Education Program: Elementary Education – Holy Cross
The flexible Transition to Teaching program prepares professionals with a bachelor’s degree to obtain elementary K-6 licensing in 24 Credit Hours. Classes are held on campus in the evenings, with online and summer options available.
Inspired by St. Frances Xavier Cabrini’s legacy of serving the disadvantaged, the Cabrini Scholars Program honors those dedicated to the noble vocation of teaching. Admitted Holy Cross Freshman receive full tuition for four years through a combination of financial aid sources.
Cabrini Scholars commit to completing a major in Elementary Education and obtaining a teaching license. A limited number of scholars are selected each year based on their passion for the profession and college readiness. Preference is given to students who complete the Dual Enrollment Program. Those seeking entrance into the program must complete the FAFSA before April 15th.
Rising high school Seniors interested in Elementary Education can earn up to ten credit hours toward a bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Holy Cross. These hands-on courses take place on campus, accommodate most high school schedules, and are free.