THE TEACHER EDUCATION ACCREDITATION COUNCIL WAS FORMED FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROMOTING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES BY RECOGNIZING THOSE OF HIGH QUALITY AS AN ADVOCATE OF CHALLENGING EXPECTATIONS AND EXEMPLARY PRACTICE IN EDUCATION. THE COUNCIL RESPONDS TO THE NEEDS OF STATES AND THE NATION FOR WELL-QUALIFIED AND EFFECTIVE PROFESSIONALS IN SCHOOLS AND OTHER EDUCATIONAL SETTINGS. ITS MISSION IS ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH AN ACCREDITATION PROCESS THAT MOVES BEYOND MINIMAL REQUIREMENTS AND RELIES ON A COUNTINUING INSTITUTIONAL SELF-EXAMINATION REINFORCED BY EXTERNAL AUDITS.