Goals of the Department

Graduates of basic teacher education programs will acquire the following skills that enable the teacher to engage in reflective decision-making regarding their students and educational practices, and the ability to make positive contributions to the overall school environment and school improvement endeavors.

These are overriding goals of all basic teacher preparation programs at Valparaiso University. Basic program goals also address the knowledge, disposition, and performance standards of the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (INTASC), the Indiana Professional Standards Board (IPSB), and professional standards of specialty organizations relevant to specific discipline areas. These other sets of standards can be found in course syllabi and other course materials.

A. Knowledge of the Context of Schools and Schooling

1. an understanding of the philosophical, social, and legal foundations of schools
2. understanding of the knowledge base for professional education, theories that undergird the knowledge base, and important research findings that serve to modify the knowledge base;
3. understanding of the school's role in the local community and reciprocal influences of schools and communities in which they reside;

B. Knowledge About Learners and Learning Processes

1. understanding of cognitive and other developmental learning process and the ability to plan and deliver instruction appropriate for students' current levels;
2. understanding of human motivation and how to motivate students learning;
3. a recognition of a variety of student individual needs and differences and the ability to adjust teaching and management techniques accordingly;
4. understanding of, respect for, and appreciation of different ethnic and cultural groups that is demonstrated through appropriate educational practices;
5. understanding of the importance of positive and proactive relationships between families, students, and school professionals;

C. Knowledge and Performances for Teaching Subject Matter

1. ability to plan appropriate learning experiences for level of student and content area being taught;
2. ability to adopt a variety of roles to facilitate student learning (e.g., leader, coach, facilitator);
3. ability to plan appropriate learning experiences for level of student and content area being taught;
4. ability to utilize a variety of instructional strategies appropriate for students and content area being taught;
5. ability to assess students' personal characteristics, academic growth, and social skills through formal and informal means;
6. skill in utilizing community resources to teach various subject matter areas;
7. skill in selecting appropriate teaching and management techniques to meet instructional demands, including the use of technological and media aids and resources;

D. Dispositions and Performances of a Professional

1. respect for the sanctity of each individual one interacts within the school setting;
2. ability to communicate what it means to be human;
3. ability to engage in effective verbal and nonverbal communication;
4. understanding of the importance of participation in life-long learning experiences;
5. skill in collaboration with education professionals, families, and various community agency personnel;
6. skill in advocating for all students;
7. the ability to display ethical professional behavior;

Contact us at 1-888-Go-Valpo or Education.Dept@valpo.edu.