Minnesota has two of the nation’s top-ranked teacher training schools, according to a report out Thursday from the National Council on Teacher Quality.
St. Olaf College in Northfield and the University of Minnesota-Duluth rank in the top tier of the more than 700 teacher preparation programs the council examined.
Top-tier programs are recognized for their admission standards, content area preparation, and strong instruction in classroom management and other essential teaching skills, the council said.
Minnesota also had three schools — the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University, University of Minnesota-Morris and University of St. Thomas — that ranked in the top 10 percent.
None of the state’s teacher preparation programs fell in the bottom rung, the report found.
The National Council on Teacher Quality is a research and policy advocacy group that says it works to modernize teaching and teacher training nationwide.
Minnesota’s high marks on the report come as state leaders try to fix a teacher shortage in math, science and special education. The state Legislature is finalizing work to streamline the state’s teacher licensing process.
The existing system has been criticized as convoluted and unfair to some applicants. Lawmakers hope to send a blueprint for new licensing procedures to Gov. Mark Dayton before the legislative session concludes May 22.