Conceptual Framework

The McPherson College Teacher Education Program is committed to carrying out the mission of the college emphasizing scholarship, participation, and service in the professional development of the students.  In addition to the college mission, the Teacher Education Board and all concerned stakeholders have developed and are committed to a more specific mission. 

 

The mission of the McPherson College Teacher Education Program is to develop service-oriented professionals who effectively blend the art and science of teaching.

 

In order to develop that professional, three major goals with objectives and dispositions have been developed to guide the program.  Classes are fashioned in a manner that will deliver the means of meeting those goals.  Assessment tools and procedures are created in order to assure attainment of the goals.  Decisions (Evaluation) are made throughout the tenure of the professional development of the student based on meeting those goals.  In addition to the evaluation of the students, decisions pertaining to the program will be made based on those same goals.

 Goal I   The candidate has the knowledge bases necessary to be an effective teacher in her/his field. 

 To accomplish this goal, the service-oriented educator will:

Objectives:

1.       Acquire a broad liberal arts knowledge base.

2.       Demonstrate proficiency in his/her major area of

      certification.

3.       Acquire effective strategies of teaching in all

      appropriate content areas and for all learners.

4.       Recognize how students learn and develop.

Dispositions:

1.   Appreciate the connections between various areas of

      knowledge.

2.   Recognize that knowledge is ever evolving and

      commit to continuous learning.

3.   Exhibit enthusiasm in and for teaching.

 

Goal II The candidate can apply effective teaching strategies to meet the needs of all learners. 

 

To accomplish this goal, the service-oriented educator will:

Objectives:

1.   Use appropriate best practices for specific content areas and for diverse learners.

2.   Reflect upon his/her teaching and analyze the practices.

3.   Demonstrate understanding and use of formative and summative assessments and make modifications based on them.

4.   Provide motivational techniques based on student’s developmental and environmental needs.

 

Dispositions:

1.   Value and respect students' varied talents and abilities.

2.   Appreciate the value of reflective thinking.

3.   Be flexible in adapting instruction to individual student needs.

4.   Accept the responsibility for engaging in and supporting professional practices for self and colleagues.

 

Goal III    The candidate fosters relationships and collaborates with school constituencies. 

 

To accomplish this goal the service-oriented educator will:

Objectives:

1.   Communicate effectively in both written and oral

      formats and through the use of technology.

2.   Solicit input from students, parents, colleagues, and

      the greater community.

3.   Act on information received from stakeholders.

Dispositions:

1.   Value the many ways in which people seek to

communicate and encourage various modes of communication in the classroom.

2.   Be sensitive to community and cultural norms.

3.   Understand that participation creates commitment.