Washington Adventist University Education Department Receives NADOE Endorsement

Washington Adventist University Education Department Receives NADOE Endorsement

Story by WAU Staff

The North American Division Office of Education (NADOE) recently endorsed the Washington Adventist University (WAU) Education Department. The university met or exceeded all of the standards for endorsement, and the endorsement period of six years--the maximum possible--continues through December 2020.

“We are very pleased with the endorsement of our education department,” says Cheryl Harris Kisunzu, WAU provost. “Our faculty, staff and students demonstrate hard work and commitment throughout the year, and this endorsement is a wonderful reflection of their contributions and accomplishments.”

A team of evaluators from NADOE visited the university’s Takoma Park, Md., campus September 23 and 24 to assess the teacher education program. The team consisted of Carol Campbell, associate director of the NADOE,  and members Ham Canosa, vice president for education at the Columbia Union Conference, and June Fiorito, chair of the School of Education at Canadian University College. They conducted a full endorsement visit that included a thorough review and evaluation of the university’s accreditation documents, program philosophy, course descriptions, syllabi, bulletin information, portfolios, assignments, student work samples and alumni testimony.

The areas assessed during the visit included religious preparation, methodology for teaching, principles and philosophy of Adventist education, principles of healthful living, experiences in multi-grade classrooms, Adventist curriculum materials and (to affirm the preparation of candidates for the ministry of teaching) experience in Seventh-day Adventist schools.

The visit also included validation of a curriculum library with all of the books recommended by the North American Division, a designated classroom with technology, and enough full-time faculty to meet the needs of the students enrolled in the WAU education program.

WAU is accredited by the Adventist Accrediting Association, with Department of Education accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and also by the Maryland Department of Education.