Mission and Goals

Mission Statement
The College of Education is an academic and  professional school consisting of a community of scholars, both faculty and students, engaged in a common pursuit of knowledge. The  mission is to be a facilitator of learning and to prepare competent and caring professionals with a multicultural perspective. Aware that education and learning are life-long experiences, the College addresses the needs and demands of a changing customer and society. Teaching, research and service are all part of the function of the College of Education.

GOALS
1. To prepare elementary and  secondary teachers, counselors, supervisors, administrators, school psychologists, counseling psychologists, special educators, recreation workers and wellness experts.
2. To provide opportunities for faculty and students to pursue research and its uses in solving the problems of education, mental and physical health.
3. To provide students with opportunities for knowledge and understanding of the multicultural society in which they live and their relationship and responsibility in such a society.
4. To provide a sound program of guidance and to work cooperatively with other departments and colleges of the University in implementing the program.
5. To offer basic and advanced courses, laboratory and other experiences designed to give students a knowledge and understanding of the data, theories and methods of psychology.
 

The professional education component provided by the College of Education is designed to develop the competencies necessary for beginning teachers, which are:
1. To develop knowledge and understanding of the principles and processes of human growth, development and learning, and the practical application of this knowledge to teaching all children.
2. To develop an understanding of instructional methods, materials and media as they apply to facilitating learning in the student's field of specialization.
3. To utilize materials, methods, and resources in order to plan and teach effectively and to work ethically and constructively with pupils, teachers, administrators and parents.
4. To develop an understanding of the historical, philosophical and social foundations underlying the development and practices of public education of this country.
5. To develop an understanding of purposes, organization, administration and operation of the total educational program of the school.
6. To develop an understanding of the total instructional process through planned field based experiences which involve direct observation and participation in teaching under supervision.
7. To develop instructional skills and strategies through a wide range of laboratory, clinical and student teaching experiences.
8. To provide experiences designed to enable the student to utilize and apply psychological data and evaluation procedures in measuring the progress of students.
9. To integrate current research of effective teaching and schooling into curricular offerings so that graduates will be on the cutting edge of professional knowledge and practice.
 

Basic goals of the College of Education regarding multicultural education may be summarized as follows:
1. Involve learners in experiences that will allow them to examine their own cultures.
2. Expose learners to diversity through experiences, literature and discussion.
3. Encourage the development of positive and supportive attitudes about ethnic/cultural diversity.
4. Involve learners in situations that will provide opportunities for direct contact with individuals who differ from them.
5. Provide instruction in the design, implementations, and evaluation of educational materials which are appropriate for multi cultural settings.
6. Guide learners in the development of teaching strategies that consider multi cultural perspectives.
7. Maintain a diverse faculty as well as a diverse student body.

Accreditation
Teacher preparation programs for undergraduate and graduate programs for the preparation of teachers and related professionals are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. The College of Education also holds membership in the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, the Association of Colleges and Schools of Education in State Universities and Land Grant Colleges and Affiliated Private Universities, Teacher Education Council of State Colleges and Universities, and the Tennessee Association of Colleges for Teacher Education. The Educational Administration program is approved by the University Council for Educational Administration.  Additionally the Ph.D. program in Counseling Psychology is accredited by the American Psychological Association.

Professional Education Council
The Professional Education Council is the coordinating body for the Teacher Education Program. Its principal objectives are:
1. To help provide and perpetuate an instructional climate favorable to the healthy growth of the Education Program.
2. To develop and administer policies which will ensure that competent candidates with professional promise are prepared and recommended for entry into the teacher profession. The Council develops policies relating to admission, retention, counseling, records, curricula and standards for completion of a program in Teacher Education, Counselor Education, School Psychology, and School Leadership.
 
The Council is composed of the following appointed members:
1. Dean of the College of Education, Unit Head
2. Assistant Dean for Student Services and Teacher Education, Chairperson
3. Associate Dean of the College of Education
4. Assistant Dean for Outreach of the College of Education
5. Dean of the Graduate School
6. Director of University Libraries
7. One member from the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology
8. One member from the College of Business
9. One member from the School of Family and Consumer Science and Agriculture
10. One member from Early Childhood Education (P-4)
11. Eight members from the College of Arts and Sciences: one from History & Geography, one from Languages, Literature and Philosophy, one from Biology, one from Chemistry, one from Mathematics, one from Art, one from Music, and  the Elementary Education advisor
12. Five members from the College of Education: one each from Health, Physical Education and Recreation, Educational Administration, Teaching and Learning and Psychology
13. Professional Development School principals and a teacher from each Professional Development School
14. Two practitioners (one  principal and one teacher)
15. Two students (one each graduate and STEA President)
16. One  representative of the community

Organization of the College of Education
The College of Education is composed of four (4) departments as follows: The Department of Educational Administration, the Department of Human Performance and Sport Sciences, the Department of Psychology, and the Department of Teaching and Learning. The College of Education has established cooperative agreements with the Metropolitan Nashville-Davidson County school system and other school systems in Tennessee to assist with the student teaching program.