We propose to cultivate the set of proficiencies outlined below in accordance with our core values and goals and the knowledge base above. The specified set of proficiencies is organized in terms of our core goals and their elaboration as articulated in Section II of this framework.


Candidate Proficiencies in Scholarship
Teacher candidates will:

• Be capable of various methods of scholarly inquiry.
• Cultivate liberal knowledge in the sciences, arts, and humanities.
• Refine their abilities to express themselves across a range of discourse modes and styles encompassing the written, oral, and visual.
• Make efficient and creative use of technology to enhance inquiry and expression.
• Develop critical knowledge of media in relation to culture and identity construction.

Candidate Proficiencies in Reflective Practice
Teacher candidates will:

• Cultivate dispositions leading to self-awareness, empathy, critical consciousness, and the capacity for reflection.
• Demonstrate appropriate levels of background knowledge - disciplinary, pedagogical, and professional - requisite of effective teaching.
• Demonstrate reflective practice in action through thoughtful planning, instruction, and assessment of students.
• Practice various methods of self-reflection to gain insight into themselves and their impact on student learning and well-being.
• Participate in their schools and professional organizations.

Candidate Proficiencies in Social Justice
Teacher candidates will:

• Cultivate dispositions that demonstrate advocacy for all of their students and the communities in which they work.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the historical, social, political, and economic contexts of schooling, including issues of sexism, racism, homophobia and of economic inequities.
• Synthesize their understandings and dispositions by planning culturally relevant curricula or service learning projects.

Candidate Proficiencies in Inclusive Community
Teacher candidates will:

• Be committed to and capable of facilitating learning environments that are dialogical and collaborative in nature.
• Partner with students' families and communities, as well as all school faculty and staff in their students' learning and development.
• Nurture learning communities that demonstrate respect and honor for all cultures.
• Make appropriate provisions for students with particular learning needs, differences or varying abilities.

Candidate Proficiencies in Wellness
Teacher candidates will:

• Understand and be committed to the ideals of a holistic view of learning and development.
• Facilitate classroom environments that demonstrate the promotion of health and emotional well-being.
• Facilitate learning environments that model safe and healthy group interactions where conflicts are handled peacefully and care is demonstrated for and by all.

Candidate Proficiencies in Creativity and the Arts
Teacher candidates will:

• Be committed to and capable of engaging students via a range of sensory stimuli and artistic modes of expression.
• Provide opportunities for students to actively explore disciplinary knowledge through creative exploration and the arts.
• Encourage young people to explore issues of culture and identity through the arts.