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Education Department

Our Mission...

Handwriting

As part of a Christian learning community at Bethel University, the Department of Education seeks to prepare educational leaders for service in public and private schools:

  • who are reflective practitioners pursuing continued personal learning and professional renewal
  • who are knowledgeable and competent in their subject matter;
  • who understand how students learn and develop, and who facilitate learning through effective teaching
  • who establish collaborative relationships with students, staff, parents, and community members of varying personality, racial/ethnic background, family characteristics, socioeconomic status, and ability
  • whose Christian world view provides a strong moral framework characterized by integrity and compassion

KEY PERFORMANCE OUTCOMES

1. . . .Who are reflective practitioners pursuing continued personal learning and professional renewal

As a reflective practitioner, the teacher...

  • engages in ongoing reassessment of personal role as an educator;
  • reflects on professional practice and the underlying assumptions;
  • cultivates a broad perspective about education in its societal context;
  • models the value of continued personal learning and professional development.

2. . . .Who are knowledgeable and competent in subject matter

As a knowledgeable and competent professional, the teacher...

  • demonstrates appropriate content skills and knowledge;
  • thinks critically and reflectively about current educational research, theory, and practice specific to subject matter.

3. . . .Who understand how students learn and develop, and who facilitate learning through effective teaching

As a facilitator of learning, the knowledgeable and effective teacher...

  • creates and maintains a positive learning environment within the classroom;
  • adapts, designs, and evaluates developmentally appropriate curriculum which is sensitive to multicultural, gender, and ability issues;
  • designs appropriate learning outcomes;
  • makes teaching decisions based on assessment of student learning;
  • uses a variety of teaching strategies to accommodate diverse backgrounds, interests, and needs;
  • actively involves students in their learning;
  • uses resourcefulness and creativity in meeting the needs of students.

4. . . . Who establish collaborative relationships with students, staff, parents, and community members of varying personality, racial/ethnic background, family characteristics, socioeconomic status, and ability

As a collaborator, the teacher...

  • relates positively with students having varying needs, abilities, and learning styles, including children with special needs;
  • contributes in a positive manner to the school climate;
  • serves as a resource and referral agent to students, parents, other professionals, and outside agencies;
  • deals sensitively with families from diverse backgrounds who have varying belief systems;
  • works positively with school personnel.

5. . . .Whose Christian world view provides a strong moral framework characterized by integrity and compassion

From this strong moral framework, the teacher...

  • provides dedicated service to others;
  • demonstrates ethical decision making;
  • treats others with fairness and respect.