The International Literacy Association (ILA) today announced that the University of North Georgia is the latest recipient of ILA National Recognition With Distinction—the highest institutional honor awarded by ILA.

ILA National Recognition for the Preparation of Literacy Professionals recognizes outstanding literacy preparation programs in the United States with ILA National Recognition or ILA National Recognition With Distinction. By receiving ILA National Recognition With Distinction, University of North Georgia’s Elementary Education program demonstrated that it adheres to a rigorous set of standards for preparing literacy professionals and exceeds ILA’s benchmarks.

“Our review team was particularly impressed with University of North Georgia and their clear emphasis on continuous improvement in teaching across all areas of literacy,” said Diane Kern, ILA National Recognition program coordinator. “The teacher candidates, all of whom graduate with a reading endorsement, are provided with multiple opportunities to observe, teach, reflect, and improve as they progress through the rigorous and robust program. We are honored to award their program ILA National Recognition With Distinction.”

University of North Georgia joins just two institutions that have received the distinction level of honor: The University of Texas at San Antonio and West Virginia University. In addition, Loyola University Maryland has earned ILA National Recognition.

The ILA National Recognition and ILA National Recognition With Distinction honor outstanding licensure, certificate and endorsement programs that prepare reading/literacy specialists and elementary/intermediate classroom teachers. To learn more about the program, visit the ILA website.