Teacher Education Program Goals

The goal of the undergraduate program in Education is to foster in the Teacher Candidate:

• The knowledge of the process of child development and associated learning needs
• A belief in the dignity, worth and learning potential of all children
• An understanding of school organization and developmentally and culturally responsive classrooms
• The knowledge of the interacting factors that impact education and the role of the school in democratic society
• The pedagogical skills for designing and implementing instruction that incorporates a variety of teaching methodologies, resources, and organizational patterns
• An in-depth knowledge of the subject area(s) they will teach
• Skills for designing challenging and integrated curriculum
• A competence in the evaluation of student learning and reflective analysis of teaching
• The knowledge and skills necessary to create a classroom environment that facilitates learning and accommodates the special learning needs of exceptional and culturally diverse students
• A commitment to team collaboration and advocacy for responsive teaching
• A belief in the value of families and community
• A desire for professional affiliation, ethical practice, lifelong learning and continued professional growth and development