In order to meet this challenge, our students build a strong knowledge base through inquiry and action research, develop skills and dispositions as reflective and caring practitioners, support and enhance systems that demonstrably include and respect all children, youth, adults, and their families; and provide professional leadership on local, state, and national levels. The department's work reflects our commitment to the "Portrait of a Teacher", social justice, and diversity.

The department's programs emphasize the following:

• a common, clear vision of good teaching that is apparent in all course work and clinical experiences, and aligned to well-defined standards of practice and performance;

• strong relationships, common knowledge, and shared beliefs among school/community-based and university faculty who work together to provide substantial clinical experiences using a cohort model;

• learning and teaching as social processes with political implications;

• emphasis on social justice and the principles of democracy to ensure the optimal achievement of all students;

• teaching and learning as a life long process; and

• courses developed and scheduled to meet the unique needs of adult learners.