Professional Education Unit

Conceptual Framework

Mission Statement

Guiding Image

Learning professionals committed to student success in changing environments.

Philosophy

Faculty members in the professional education unit believe in the dignity and inherent worth of all people and in the central role of education in a democratic society. Education is a means of opening doors for people. Our complex and changing society, with increasing diversity and ever-changing technology, calls for special attention to developing educational leaders, who function effectively in formal and informal learning environments. Such leaders gain their authority through thoughtful and ethical actions, which include problem-posing and solving, the use of evidence in decision making, advocacy for all learners, and seeking opportunities for personal growth.

We believe inquiry calls on us to examine the best ideas from the past, to weigh various kinds of evidence and to initiate rigorous research on promising ideas. Innovation leads to practical applications and offers new possibilities to schools and practitioners as they address the complexities of providing effective education to all learners.