SOE Guiding Philosophy
The school of education philosophy derives from the mission statement: Preparing and supporting professionals who think critically, transform practice, and promote justice.
In order to understand the viewpoint that is embedded in this mission statement the following components and beliefs of each of the three main concepts are articulated below:
Think Critically
Component: Candidates seek multiple perspectives, imagine possibilities, formulate wise decisions, anticipate paradigm shifts, love learning, and make inferences based on evidence.
Conceptual Framework Belief: initial program and advanced program candidates in the SOE should have the ability to think critically about subject area knowledge and knowledge that informs their practice.
Transform Practice
Component: Candidates use technology, research, subject knowledge, and effective oral and written communication to enhance student and client learning; analyze, debrief, and abstract from their own experiences for the purpose of transforming practice; and, take the lead in reforming practice at their institutions.
Conceptual Framework Belief: initial program and advanced program candidates in the SOE should have the ability to reflectively use a variety of research tools, cognitive strategies, and professional practices to take the lead in reforming their institutions.
Promote Justice
Component: Candidates act to ensure that all students and clients can learn; advocate for the needs of all students and clients by promoting justice; and, widen students' and clients' understandings by teaching about and modeling what it means to "love one's neighbor."
Conceptual Framework Belief: initial program and advanced program candidates in the SOE should have the ability to advocate for the needs of for all students and clients in a caring manner by actively promoting justice.