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Mission Statement &
Learning Outcomes
Conceptual Framework
The mission of the Whitworth School of Education is to prepare educators of mind and
heart who are scholars, community members, effective practitioners, visionary leaders,
and guardians. The School of Education provides opportunities to integrate theory and
practice in diverse settings through the study of established and emerging content as well
as through pedagogical and professional knowledge. Whitworth University prepares
educators to have a positive impact on the learning and development of those they are
called to serve.
The learning outcomes of this major prepare students to be:
Scholars: Effective educators possess a solid knowledge of the content areas in which
they work, understand the connections between their discipline and other disciplines,
use the tools of inquiry specific to their disciplines, and demonstrate an attitude of
lifelong learning along with an understanding that existing fields of knowledge continue
to evolve and grow. Effective educators strengthen their existing knowledge through
continuous intellectual and scholarly growth based on research, the study of their own
practices, best-practices research, and the application of scholarship to solutions for problems
in the field of education.
Community Members: Effective educators develop and sustain intentionally collaborative
and interdependent relationships among teachers, students and their families,
counselors, administrators, and other members for the development of a learning community.
Educators understand their roles as professional colleagues in schools, communities
and professional organizations and recognize the importance that educators play in
the creation of the culture of classrooms in a democratic society.
Effective Practitioners: Effective educators are intrinsically motivated to analyze
situations, set goals, plan and monitor actions, evaluate results, and reflect on their
professional thinking and decision-making. Empowered by their vision, educators are
purposeful in making a positive impact on their students' learning. They demonstrate
proficiency in the selection of materials, strategies and assessment practices that are appropriate
for the diversity of students and for the educational context. They are competent
in using technology in the educational setting.
Visionary Leaders: Effective educators have a vision. They can articulate a personal
philosophy of education that includes a belief in the unique worth and ability of each
human being and provides a framework that guides personal and professional decisionmaking
and development. Educators' practices are intentionally and attentively aligned
with this vision for the benefit of their learners and their learning communities. Effective
educators model transformational and servant leadership in their learning communities
and within society. |
