Conceptual Framework for Preparing Future Educators.
Overview
Developed in 1996 to provide a consistent vision for teaching, guiding curriculum, and instructional choices.
CONTINUED TO EVOLVED AS THE WORLD OF EDUCATION CHANGES WITH THE ORIGINAL FOUR PILLARS AS THE GUIDING PRINCIPLES
VISION AND MISSION
INSTITUTIONAL MISSION
UC continues to offer promising students of all backgrounds a broad based liberal arts program
enriched with Christian values.
INSTITUIONAL VISION
he purpose statement for the University of the Cumberlands is congruent with its mission in
offering quality academic programs with Christian values to candidates of all backgrounds.
UNIT MISSION AND VISION
MISSION
provide strong initial and advanced academic programs to teacher candidates and other school
personnel that instill in them a commitment to a strong work ethic and prepare them for lives
committed to excellence, professional integrity, and leadership that will impact student learning.
VISION
The Unit will prepare teacher candidates and other school personnel to be Reflective Constructors
of Quality Learning Experiences through Critical Thinking and subsequently provide them with
academic and practical experiences.
ORGANIZATION STANDARDS/DISPOTITIONS
Relationship of effective teaching to dispositions, “professional attitudes, values, and beliefs
demonstrated through both verbal and non-verbal behaviors as educators interact with students,
families, colleagues, and communities” (NCATE, 2008, pp. 89-90.)
Unit faculty nurture dispositions in candidates through coursework, interactions, interviews, and
evaluations.
KNOWLEDGE BASES
REFLECTIVE
involves many hours of research into best practice strategies, action research, and teachers
modeling desired behavior in the classroom (Chant, Heafner & Bennett, 2004).
Constructivism
the learner constructs knowledge based upon personal experiences, beliefs, and pre-existing
mental structures.
Quality Learning Experiences.
Only through quality learning experiences does the constructivist theory work.
CRITICAL THINKING
Not only must teachers think critically when they teach; they must also help their students to
develop critical thinking skills.
KNOWLEDGE STRANDS
STRATEGIC
TEACHERS MUST BE ABLE TO THINK LONG TERM AND KNOW WHY THEY ARE DOING WHAT THEY ARE DOING