Theme, Mission, Philosophy, Alignment Theme “Educators facilitating and advancing learning in a diverse, ever-changing society.” Mission The University of Saint Francis Department of Education primarily serves the population of the northeastern region of the State of Indiana through professional preparation of educators at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The Department’s undergraduate dual licensing programs lead to state licensing in elementary, secondary, and special education. The option of dual licensing in a content area and special education is offered. Graduate programs prepare students for licensure in special education and school counseling. The Department’s mission strives to prepare students who will incorporate in their daily lives and professional endeavors the Franciscan Values that define the mission of the University. In keeping with Franciscan intellectual tradition, the Department prepares students to demonstrate confidence in their professional expertise through collaborative work with all levels of a diverse community – local, national, and global. The Department’s theme, “Educators facilitating and advancing learning in a diverse, ever changing society” aptly expresses the programs’ over-arching purpose: to develop scholarly, technologically skilled, accomplished, empathetic educators who maintain a stable sense of self in a constantly changing and multi-faceted world; that is, educators who remain independent thinkers living responsibly in interdependent societal and institutional contexts. The Department endeavors for students to blend the most current, research-based pedagogical practices with time-honored educational principles, in conjunction with support for both student and faculty research. The ultimate outcome of programs is the preparation of educators who can demonstrate the dispositional, skill oriented, and knowledge-based performances synonymous with quality professional educators. Philosophy “Education is not a preparation for life; Education is life itself.” John Dewey The purpose of education at the University of Saint Francis is to prepare teacher candidates who will become highly effective professionals in the field of education. It is our firm belief that the educational programs offered must be purposefully designed to provide an extensive, superior blend of liberal studies and professional education. Throughout their University of Saint Francis educational careers, teacher candidates will be challenged to develop expertise in content as well as in the understanding and application of theories of development, behavior, learning, instruction and assessment. They will demonstrate their ability to apply these skills in a multitude of settings with students from diverse backgrounds, skills, and strengths. Nurtured by effective supervision and collaborative relationships with practicing educators, candidates should and will experience a variety of opportunities to explore, practice, enhance, perfect and reflect on the skills expected in professional roles. The faculty will act as positive catalysts who model effective instructional practices and professional ethics. Faculty, who are active learners in their own fields, will model this quest for learning and growth to students, colleagues, and through dynamic involvement with the broader community. Collectively and collaboratively faculty of the Department of Education will strive to move pre-service educators along a developmental continuum towards their emergence as individuals who are thoughtful and self-directed and who will impact and inspire, collaborate and contribute to the enhancement of learning of all students, advocate for social justice, manage and embrace far reaching societal changes, be recognized as educational leaders, and who will rise to the many opportunities and challenges posed in today’s world. Alignment Alignment of the USF Conceptual Framework, INTASC Core and National Board for Professional Teaching Standards