About the School of Education

Mission

To prepare and support teachers who are firmly grounded in the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to promote student learning.

Vision

To be nationally recognized for developing skilled and caring professionals prepared to educate students in a diverse and changing world.

Accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC)

The College of St. Scholastica's Teacher Education Program, which is designed to prepare and support teachers who are firmly grounded in the knowledge, skills and dispositions needed to promote student learning, is accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC) for a period of five years, from September 2008 to September 2013. (Summary of the Case to TEAC)

Minnesota Board of Teaching Approval (BOT)

The fully accredited Teacher Education Program is assessed according to the requirements and standards of the Minnesota Board of Teaching (BOT). The teacher education program has full continuing approval through fall 2013.

School of Education Conceptual Framework

Reflection

Critical reflective practice is a complex process that involves continual analysis of one's teaching effectiveness and the impact of one's instructional decisions on students' learning. We model reflective practice and provide pre-service and in-service teachers opportunities to reflect and dialogue on their own experiences in the classroom.

Knowledge

Content knowledge refers to the specific subject matter that teachers teach. We collaborate with arts/sciences faculty to ensure a firm foundation in the content areas and build on that knowledge base in methods courses specific to the content areas.

Pedagogy

Pedagogy refers to methods of teaching. We emphasize Best Practices, which are those strategies, activities, and approaches which have been shown through scientifically-based research and assessment to lead to greater student learning and achievement.

Dispositions

Dispositions are the individual's personal qualities or characteristics, including attitudes, beliefs, interests, values, and modes of adjustment. We integrate development and self-assessment of dispositions into coursework and field experiences.

Diversity

Diversity refers to the wide range of human difference found in our schools, including gender, race, ethnicity, disability, learning style, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation.. We help teachers identify implicit cultural assumptions within their disciplines; adjust their teaching styles to meet students' diverse learning needs; and contribute to creation of a school culture that empowers all students.

Partnerships

Partnerships refer to our relationships with K-12 schools. We foster collaborative partnerships, with opportunities for professional development, shared experiences for students, mentoring relationships, exposure to Best Practices, and shared research projects.