October 20, 2026
By Kennedie Cadman (BA 28)
Did you know that graduates of the Grace College School of Education have a 100% principal satisfaction rate? Principal satisfaction is one of the biggest measures of a successful teacher preparation program. But what exactly does this mean?
Every year the Indiana Department of Education surveys school administration on the performance of teachers in their first or second year of teaching. Data from the most recent surveys show that Grace College graduates meet and exceed principal expectations in the domains of knowledge, disposition, and performance.
According to the Indiana Principal Survey, “Principals consistently give our graduates high marks for their character and collaborative spirit.” The survey also shows that Grace graduates are “recognized for their deep understanding of child development and their ability to support students with diverse needs,” and that “school leaders value how Grace educators create inclusive and data-informed learning spaces.”
At Grace, our mission is to be a “Christ-centered community of higher education applying biblical values in strengthening character, sharpening competence, and preparing for service.” The Grace College School of Education clearly promotes these values in its teacher preparation program.
The results of the Indiana Principal Survey are impressive, and these results do not come by chance. Florell Hand, the Systems Manager for the Grace College School of Education, with responsibilities encompassing accreditation, clinical field experiences, and educator licensing, gave us the following statement on how the School of Education prepares its students to satisfy the expectations of their future employers:
“At Grace College, the School of Education equips future teachers to step into the classroom as confident, highly capable, and reflective professionals. Our CAEP-accredited, InTASC-aligned curriculum combines rigorous coursework with extensive, intentional clinical experiences. This comprehensive approach directly accounts for our 100% principal satisfaction rate on state-mandated Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) Employer Surveys.”
The Grace School of Education helps its students develop the Character, Competence, and Service needed to lead and collaborate effectively in the field of education.
After graduation, many Grace alumni choose to stay in the area and teach in the communities near Winona Lake. Local principals are consistently pleased with the performance of teachers who graduated from Grace.
“The feedback we continually receive about Grace graduates once they have entered professional teaching roles, is that their relationship building and professionalism shine through,” said Dr. Cheryl Bremer, dean of the school of education. “Over and over principals are impressed with the results from Grace alumni.”
Local principals have lots of positive things to say about the Grace graduates they hire. Principal Randy Dahms at Mentone Elementary School says, “As a proud Grace College alumnus and elementary principal, I have been consistently impressed with the quality of Grace College education graduates. Overall, Grace students bring a strong moral compass, an exceptional understanding of educational pedagogy, and, most importantly, a genuine heart for children and a desire to make a difference in their lives. I value the opportunity to hire Grace graduates because they bring both the professional knowledge and the personal character that have made, and continue to make a positive impact in our schools.”
Our school of education graduates are highly qualified in their field and highly sought after by school leaders. Dr. Bremer says that principals are always looking to hire Grace graduates.
“Once October hits I will start getting three to four emails a week asking, ‘Who is graduating in December?’ ‘Who can principals hire?’” said Bremer. “I get emails about who is graduating in May, and many have jobs before they even student teach.”
So, if you are looking for a teacher preparation program that will prepare you for the workforce and help you meet and surpass your future employer’s expectations, look no further than the Grace College School of Education.
Read our blog to learn more about why Grace’s teaching program is one of the best around!
