"The Department of Elementary Education was recently recognized as a Distinguished Program in Teacher Education, an award presented by  The Assocation of Teacher Educators.   Dr. Jill Miels, Department Chair, accepted a plaque recognizing the work of the department at the 2007 Annual Conference held in San Diego, California, February 18–21. The award for the Distinguished Program in Teacher Education has been established to recognize and honor outstanding teacher education programs that exemplify collaboration between local education agencies and institutions of higher education in program development and administration. The Association of Teacher Educators stands committed to recognizing this critical connection. The award is designed to stimulate development and innovation, which brings into harmony all those agencies which have direct involvement in the preparation of teachers. The Department of Elementary Education program, which offers licensing for elementary, early childhood and elementary/special education dual majors, was honored for its work in the areas of professional development schools, partnership schools, and with various community agencies."