College of Education

Faculty

Vision and Mission Statement, Core Values, Conceptual Framework, and Standards of the College of Education

The 1881 Dakota Territorial Legislature established Dakota State University to prepare teachers to help meet the needs of an emerging society - that of the western frontier. Today, South Dakota again faces a new frontier - the Information Age. Dakota State University now prepares teachers to meet these new challenges and to lead the process of technological change in schools. Our graduates have the will, the expertise, and the vision to advocate for the paradigm shifts required of schools in the 21st century.

The College of Education has kept the best of its heritage and tradition in teacher preparation by continuing to meet the needs of a changing profession. As the profession faces the new demands the 21st century places upon society’s educational structures, the College recognizes its teacher education graduates must do more than simply prepare for the coming changes. Its graduates must be empowered to actively participate in shaping the changes that will characterize schools in the future.

Technology is one of the primary vehicles of change through which the teaching profession marshals its energy and collective wisdom to create the schools of the 21st century. Technology connects teachers and students to the global environment enabling them to imagine, create, evaluate, and solve problems even from distant locations. Teachers use computers to design instruction, manage classroom activities and resources, create lessons, prepare assessments, and perform tasks not yet envisioned. All Dakota State University teacher education graduates earn a certification in K-12 Educational Technology on their certificate due to the intense computing preparation they receive in their programs.

Vision

The vision of the College of Education is to prepare high-quality educators and be recognized in the state and nation for outstanding programs.

Mission

The mission of the College of Education is to guide undergraduate and graduate students through the process of acquiring and applying professional knowledge, skills, and attitudes with emphasis on integrating technology in the teaching and learning process.

Core Values

The College of Education is committed to:

• the alignment of programs with professional standards.
• exploring multiple perspectives.
• sustaining community and university partnerships.
• the continued professional growth of its faculty, staff and constituents.
• the appropriate use of technology in the teaching and learning process.
• supporting the professional conduct of its students, faculty, and outside constituencies.

Conceptual Framework

Empowering Educators - Standards-based Preparation

Teacher Education Program Standards:

Our teacher candidates will:

• understand the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the content/ subject matter/disciplines they teach and be able to create learning experiences that make these aspects meaningful for learners.
  
• understand how children learn, construct knowledge, and develop, and be able to provide learning opportunities that support their intellectual, social and personal development.
  
• understand how learners differ in their approaches to learning and create instructional opportunities that are adapted to diverse learners.
  
• understand and use a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners' development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills.
  
• use an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.
  
• use knowledge of effective verbal, nonverbal, and media communication techniques to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom.
  
• plan instruction based upon knowledge of subject matter, the learners, the community, and curriculum goals.
  
• understand and use formal and informal assessment strategies to evaluate and ensure the continuous intellectual, social and physical development of the learner.
  
• be reflective practitioners who continually evaluate the effects of their choices and actions on others (students, parents, and other professionals in the learning community) and who actively seek opportunities to grow professionally.
  
• collaborate with school colleagues, parents, and agencies in the larger community to support students' learning and well-being.
  
• understand the capabilities of technology, its impact on education and be able to integrate technology into the teaching and learning process.
  
• understand their legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities.