Vision
The Teacher Education programs at Penn State Harrisburg are dedicated to providing interdisciplinary instruction and experiences which
- promote a democratic view of the schools and society,
Democratic educators understand how social institutions impact learning and teaching and ensure that all children have equal opportunity for a quality education. They also know that within democratic education, the whole experience defines the learning process which is always evolving.
- foster critical, creative, and reflective thinking,
Teachers of the future need to engage in effective critical, creative, and reflective thinking, as well as be able to foster the same skills in their students. Critical thinking refers to the rigorous evaluation of the value or accuracy of information, assertion, and sources of data. Creative thinking refers to developing an original product or process that fulfills a specific need. Reflective thinking involves being aware of one's own thinking concerning professional issues and practice. Each type of thinking requires dispositions and attitudes conducive to its development. Taken together, critical, creative, and reflective thinking lead to improved decision making, problem solving, teaching, and learning.
- enhance the understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures,
Teachers need to comprehend, analyze, respect, and value similarities and differences in languages, customs, rituals, kinship systems, belief systems, histories, and economies. Through example and pedagogy, teachers also need to pass on their knowledge and convictions to their students.
- nurture sensitive and caring attitudes,
Effective teachers are empathetic, understand individual students in terms of their uniqueness, and interact appropriately with students to enhance their personal responsibility and self_esteem.
- extend content knowledge and pedagogical competencies, and
Preservice teachers continually expand their content knowledge and pedagogy and translate these into practice. They develop the ability to plan, implement and assess effective curriculum and instruction using a variety of appropriate learning tools based upon the needs of learners.
- instill a commitment to scholarship and professionalism
Graduates of education programs at PSH will be committed to scholarship and professionalism by continued growth through membership and participation in professional communities. They will engage in life-long learning, inquiry, action research, and intellectual discourse. They will adhere to an advocacy of established ethical standards, and they will demonstrate a dedication to excellence and pride in the profession.
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