Story: Lisa Sollie

UWA elementary education program achieves top marks in new report from the National Council on Teacher Quality 

The University of West Alabama’s undergraduate elementary teacher preparation program in the Julia S. Tutwiler College of Education has received an A+ from the (NCTQ) for its excellence in preparing future elementary teachers to teach reading effectively.

The report, , published on June 9, spotlights the University of West Alabama for meeting the standards set by literacy experts for coverage of the most effective methods of reading instruction. Specifically, this means the program is preparing aspiring teachers in all five components of scientifically based reading instruction, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary, and avoids many instructional practices that research has shown to be ineffective or counterproductive for teaching children to read.

“This recognition reflects our deep commitment to preparing future teachers with the knowledge, practice, and confidence they need to teach reading effectively from day one,” said Dr. Cheryl Lambert, College of Education dean. “Strong literacy instruction changes the trajectory of a child’s academic life, and we are proud that our elementary education program is grounded in research-based practices that support teachers, schools, and the students they serve.”

UWA’s elementary education program prepares teacher candidates through coursework, field experiences, and clinical practice designed to connect research-based instruction with the real needs of classrooms. The program emphasizes evidence-based literacy practices, strong partnerships with schools, and preparation for teaching in rural and diverse educational settings across Alabama and beyond.

“Every child deserves a teacher who has been well prepared to teach reading, and every teacher deserves the opportunity to enter the classroom ready to help students succeed,” said NCTQ President Heather Peske. “Across the country, many teacher preparation programs still do not fully align with the science of reading, but University of West Alabama is demonstrating what strong preparation can look like.”

NCTQ’s methodology is informed by a panel of reading experts, teacher preparation faculty, reading advocates, and measurement experts. To evaluate the quality of preparation being provided, a team of experts at NCTQ analyzed syllabi, including lecture schedules and topics, background reading materials, class assessments, assignments, and opportunities to practice instruction in required literacy courses for elementary teacher candidates at UWA.��

To earn an “A,” programs must demonstrate that coursework for future elementary teachers includes all five core components of scientifically based reading instruction and avoid teaching more than three instructional methods that are unsupported by the research on effective reading instruction. Earning an A+, indicates that programs exceed those targets and do not teach any instructional practices that are unsupported by research.

NCTQ is a nonpartisan research and policy organization dedicated to ensuring that every child has access to effective teachers. NCTQ believes a strong, diverse teacher workforce is critical for providing all students with equitable educational opportunities.

To learn more about UWA’s nationally recognized teacher preparation program, visit /programs/elementary-education-k-6/

See NCTQ’s report, for more information about the University of West Alabama’s coverage of the science of reading and to see how UWA compares to other programs in Alabama or across the country.

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As part of the University of West Alabama’s continued emphasis on strengthening institutional communications, marketing, and brand advancement, UWA President Dr. Todd G. Fritch has announced the appointment of Betsy Compton as Executive Director of Communications & Marketing.

Established in 2025 as a centralized division reporting directly to the President, the Office of Communications & Marketing was elevated early in Fritch’s administration to support the University’s strategic priorities through coordinated messaging, executive communications, marketing strategy, brand management, and integrated communications efforts across the institution.

Compton will continue serving as a member of the President’s Cabinet and leading the expansion of the University’s comprehensive communications and marketing initiatives in support of academic affairs, enrollment management, athletics, advancement, student affairs, and administrative operations.

“Communications and marketing play an increasingly important role in advancing the University’s strategic priorities and institutional visibility,” Fritch said. “Betsy has provided leadership throughout the establishment and transition of the division, and her experience and institutional knowledge have helped position the Office of Communications & Marketing for continued growth and success.”

Compton has served the University in communications and marketing roles for nearly two decades, having served as Interim Executive Director of Communications & Marketing since the division’s transition from Institutional Advancement last year.

A two-time graduate of the University of West Alabama, Compton joined the University staff in 2007 as a graphic designer in UWA Printing Services, before serving Institutional Advancement in roles supporting public relations, brand management, executive communications, and strategic messaging initiatives.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the University in this role,” Compton said. “UWA has been an important part of my life both personally and professionally, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside colleagues across campus to support the mission and future of the University.”

The Office of Communications & Marketing serves as the University’s central communications resource and collaborates with units across campus to support communications, marketing, branding, media relations, and engagement to advance the University’s mission.��

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Story: Lisa Sollie | Photo: Cody Ingram

After nearly 25 years of teaching mathematics at the University of West Alabama, Kim Giles has earned one of the institution’s highest honors for classroom instruction.

During UWA’s spring commencement exercises held May 7-8, Giles received the 2026 William E. Gilbert Award for Outstanding Teaching, the honor awarded annually by the student body in recognition of excellence in undergraduate classroom instruction.

After graduating from the University of Alabama with a degree in industrial engineering, Giles eventually returned to her hometown of Livingston, where she found her calling in the classroom.

“It’s such a huge honor to have been nominated and recognized this way,” Giles said. “I’m very thankful and grateful that I get to go to work every day, and not feel like it’s a job, but something I was meant to do.”

Beyond her classroom responsibilities, Giles also serves as the College of Natural Science and Mathematics coordinator and liaison for the UWA Teach program, the STEM education initiative launched by the University in 2023. This program gives STEM majors an opportunity to explore teaching as a career path to see if it’s right for them.

“I’m the connection between NSM and the College of Education,” Giles explained. “I not only look out for NSM students who are in UWA Teach, but if I have a math or science student who I think would be a good fit for the program, I encourage them to pursue it. I’d rather students find out early if teaching isn’t for them rather than when they’re finishing up their degree.”

Outside the classroom, Giles volunteers with the Wesley Foundation alongside director Elizabeth Stone.

“I’m there every Monday and Thursday evenings when they have Bible studies, helping feed the students and fellowship with them,” she said.  “It’s one of my greatest joys each week.”

Though Giles once considered retiring after reaching the 25-year milestone, she now says she has no plans to step away from the work she loves.

“God put me here for a reason—to teach and encourage my students every day,” Giles said. “I always tell them, ‘You got this, and you got to believe.’ I’m happy, and I enjoy my work, so until the day comes that I don’t enjoy it anymore, I’m going to keep showing up and doing what He called me to do.”

As the recipient of the Gilbert Award, Giles will serve as macebearer and lead the faculty processional at the University’s commencement exercises in August, December, and again next May.

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