NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR ACCREDITATION OF TEACHER EDUCATION is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation as the sole accrediting body for schools, colleges, and departments of education that prepare professional educators for positions ranging from preschool through grade 12. Located in Washington, D.C., NCATE works with leading educators across the nation to evaluate the ability of institutions to deliver programs that prepare candidates for effective teaching practice.