Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University’s (SWOSU) History Education program has earned national recognition from the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) following a three-year review. The review examined the program’s curriculum, student outcomes and preparation of future social studies teachers. The recognition confirms that the program meets national standards for social studies teacher education.

Reaching this point required close collaboration between two SWOSU departments. Dr. Sunu Kodumthara and Dr. Becky Bruce from the Department of Social Sciences worked with Professor Haley Price and Dr. Veronica Aguinaga from the Department of Education throughout the review. Together, they compiled extensive documentation of the program’s curriculum, assessments and student outcomes. Their collaboration united expertise in history and teacher preparation around a shared goal of helping students become knowledgeable, capable educators.

SWOSU’s History Education program combines history coursework with preparation for the classroom. Students strengthen their research, source analysis, critical thinking, writing and communication skills, then learn how to use that knowledge as teachers. Individual guidance from faculty and connections with local school districts support them throughout the program. By graduation, students are fully licensed to teach in Oklahoma and ready to serve schools across the state.

“National recognition from the NCSS validates our commitment to train the next generation of social studies educators,” said Kodumthara, Professor of History and current History Education coordinator. “This recognition is a testament to the exceptional standard of our curriculum and our faculty’s dedication to student success across departments.”

Founded in 1921, NCSS is the nation’s largest professional association devoted to social studies education. The organization establishes standards used to evaluate programs that prepare future social studies teachers. NCSS recently announced that this will be its final year participating in program accreditation, though its broader work on behalf of educators will continue. SWOSU’s History Education program is among the final programs in the country to complete the review and earn national recognition through the process.

For more information about SWOSU History Education program, contact Dr. Sunu Kodumthara at sunu.kodumthara@swosu.edu or Department Chair Dr. Fred Gates at fred.gates@swosu.edu.

About Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) was founded in 1901 and offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs across three locations in Weatherford, Sayre, and Yukon. The university serves more than 5,000 students and prides itself on affordability, small class sizes, and over 200 faculty and staff committed to helping students achieve their academic and personal goals.

For more information about Southwestern Oklahoma State University, visit www.swosu.edu.

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