School of Education Mission Statement and Program Outcomes

Mission Statement of the Teacher Education Program: The School of Education’s Teacher Education Program at Drexel University provides students with creative academic leadership skills, a global perspective on current educational issues, knowledge of best pedagogical practices, tools to effectively integrate technology in curriculum, assessment and instruction, and a strong academic background in all subject areas that meet PDE content requirements.

School of Education graduates will possess the knowledge, skills, and competencies to become reflective practitioners who are lifelong learners, sensitive to the needs of P-12 school children, and who base their practice on theory, research, and developmentally appropriate pedagogy. The Education degree at Drexel offers a flexible, innovative curriculum with a unique emphasis on creative problem solving and the application of the latest technologies to learning.

Program Learning Outcomes for the Teacher Education Program:

1. Professionalism: Upon completion of the program, the teacher candidate is able to:

Make ethical, sound decisions based on Pennsylvania Professional Code of Conduct.
Demonstrate leadership in the classroom, school community, and profession that is focused on positive and innovative change.
Seek ongoing professional growth and development in the field to improve practice.
Demonstrate a growth mindset, and take responsibility for student learning and academic growth.
Partner with parents in the education of their children.

.2. Diversity: Upon completion of the program, the teacher candidate is able to:

Use culturally responsive pedagogy to create equitable learning experiences for all students.
Use critical self-reflection to understand one’s own identity in the context of a classroom of diverse learners.
Create an inclusive classroom environment with high expectations for all learners.

3. Reflective Practice: Upon completion of the program, the teacher candidate is able to:

Demonstrate the ability to self-reflect on his or her professional practice.
Use data and classroom based evidence to inform and improve professional practice.

4. Pedagogical Content Knowledge: Upon completion of the program, the teacher candidate is able to:

Demonstrate strong content knowledge in all subject areas that are developmentally appropriate and aligned with standards and program outcomes
Deliver effective developmentally informed instruction that is culturally and linguistically sensitive to the children in the class.
Use appropriate means of ongoing assessment that is developmentally appropriate and sensitive to the unique capabilities of young children, and utilize assessment information to make appropriate modifications to the curriculum that will demonstrate children’s progress and ensure optimal learning opportunities for all children.
Integrate tools of technology in teaching and learning that are appropriate for the developmental levels of children and that expand, enrich, implement, individualize, differentiate, and extend the overall curriculum.
Construct well-written, research-based developmentally appropriate lesson plans that reflect active teaching and learning.

5. Classroom Climate: Upon completion of the program, the teacher candidate is able to:

Create a safe, positive and productive learning environment that supports and facilitates learning for all students.
Build a sense of community in a collaborative climate, based on developmentally appropriate pro-social skills, where students work collaboratively and have a shared sense of ownership.

6. Developmentally Appropriate Practice: Upon completion of the program, the teacher candidate is able to:

Demonstrate a thorough understanding of child and/or adolescent development and the learning sciences.
Uses differentiated instruction to meet the diverse learning needs of one’s students.
Use developmentally informed teaching practices.