Montevallo Earns A+ for Math Instruction in NCTQ Teacher Prep Program Grades

July 25, 2025

The University of Montevallo’s College of Education and Human Development has received an A+ rating from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) for its excellence in preparing future elementary educators to teach mathematics effectively. This distinction places Montevallo among the top-performing institutions in Alabama and across the nation.

This rating is part of NCTQ’s Teacher Prep Program Grades, which evaluated 1,188 programs nationwide in 2025 on how well they prepare future elementary teachers to teach math. Only a select few were awarded with an A+ for strong math preparation, demonstrating UM’s alignment with evidence-based practices essential for developing foundational math skills in young learners.

“This rating affirms the strength of our program and dedication of our outstanding faculty,” said Dr. Donna Ploessl, dean of the College of Education and Human Development. “Their deep content knowledge, commitment to evidence-based practice and genuine care for future educators ensures our graduates are well-prepared to teach mathematics with confidence and impact.”

Using course syllabi and descriptions, NCTQ assessed whether programs covered five essential topics: numbers and operations, algebraic thinking, geometry and measurement, data analysis and probability and math pedagogy. Institutions that earned an A+ rating, like UM, met or exceeded all NCTQ benchmarks in those areas, demonstrating exceptional coverage of math content.

NCTQ is a nonpartisan, nonprofit research and policy organization dedicated to ensuring that every child has effective teachers. NCTQ focuses on improving teacher preparation, recruitment and evaluation through data-driven research.

To learn more about Montevallo’s nationally recognized teacher preparation programs, visit montevallo.edu/elementary-education.