EMU | COE NCATE 2003 Advanced Programs Theme

Advanced Educator Preparation Program Theme

Theme statement: Inquiry, advocacy and leadership in education for a diverse and democratic society.

Advanced educator preparation programs at Eastern Michigan University prepare candidates for a variety of educational roles and areas of expertise. Candidates enter our programs to develop knowledge and skills as teaching specialists, principals, counselors, technology coordinators, and so forth. Despite their seeming diversity, all the advanced programs focusing on professional education share a common conceptual framework and common goals.

We believe that teachers and other education professionals in advanced programs should go beyond the knowledge, skills, and dispositions required of beginning teachers. We expect our advanced candidates to become leaders in educational settings who are grounded in inquiry and committed to advocacy for students and their families. These core beliefs are summarized in our advanced programs theme statement and in the professional roles toward which we direct our efforts. The theme statement for advanced programs in professional education is: inquiry, advocacy and leadership in education for a diverse and democratic society.

Advanced programs at Eastern Michigan University are committed to preparing graduates for the following professional roles: educational leader, reflective inquirer, student-centered professional and collaborative community member.

Educational leader. In collaborative learning communities professional educators, parents and students have important leadership roles as advocates for school improvement and student success.

Reflective inquirer. Completers of our programs are expected to be reflective practitioners and to understand the importance of inquiry in their roles as professional educators. Reflective inquirers must be able to understand and use current research, plan and carry out their own investigations.

Student-centered professional. Student-centered professionals make students= needs the focus of their decision-making and professional activities. They are guided by the principle that all students can and should perform to the highest reaches of their potential.

Collaborative community member. We believe that through the exchange of ideas educators will be informed, communities strengthened and educational systems empowered.