Carlow University has been recognized by the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) as one of its 2026 Top Performing Programs for Reading Foundations, earning an A+ rating for its undergraduate teacher preparation program.
The recognition places Carlow among the top four programs in Pennsylvania and number one in the region, marking a significant achievement for the University’s recently established College of Education and Social Work and its ongoing mission to address the literacy crisis. Just as importantly, NCTQ identified zero instructional practices contrary to reading research within Carlow’s Education programs.
For Dr. Keely Baronak, Dean of the new college, the recognition speaks to the University’s focus on preparing educators who can meet one of the most urgent needs facing children, families and schools.
“At Carlow, structured literacy is more than a response to a new state requirement,” she said. “It is part of our longstanding commitment to preparing teachers who understand how reading develops, recognize when a child is struggling, and know how to provide explicit, systematic, and responsive instruction.”
Dr. Keely Baronak: “Strong reading instruction can change the trajectory of a child’s life”
“The NCTQ Teacher Prep Review: Reading Foundations” evaluates how teacher preparation programs equip future educators to teach the five core components of scientifically based reading instruction: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. In its 2026 report, NCTQ found that while the number of programs aligned with scientifically based reading instruction has grown, only 53% of reviewed programs earned an A. Carlow earned an A+.
Preparation is Key
The report frames the issue clearly: “a clear starting point is too often overlooked: teacher preparation.” At Carlow, that starting point has been central to the work.
Through its undergraduate teacher preparation programs, graduate Reading Specialist program, IDA-accredited dyslexia training, and the community impact of the Peirce Dyslexia Center, Carlow has built a continuum of literacy-focused education designed to prepare teachers who understand how children learn to read and how to support students who need structured, research-based instruction.
“Strong reading instruction can change the trajectory of a child’s life,” said Dr. Baronak. “Preparing teachers to deliver that instruction is both a profound responsibility and a central part of our mission in the College of Education and Social Work. We are proud of this distinction and committed to continuing the work.”
The “Worthiest Work”
That work is especially meaningful at a time when reading proficiency remains a national concern and when schools need educators who are prepared to identify reading challenges early, use evidence-based instruction and support students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences.
“Teaching students to read and write is the worthiest work in the world,” said Val Piccini, MEd, Program Director for Carlow’s MEd in Reading Specialist and Graduate Certificate in Dyslexia Teaching. “Literacy is an equity issue, and my passion lies in ensuring today’s teachers have the knowledge and tools to reach every learner.”
Carlow’s A+ rating recognizes the strength of that preparation and the faculty, staff and partners whose work continues to make a measurable difference for future teachers, current educators, children and families.