Education Department
Our Mission...
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.