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Unit Philosophy, Purposes,
and Goals |
Over the past three years the faculty of the Adelphi University Ruth S. Ammon School of Education have engaged in an intensive discussion of our mission, philosophy, and curricula. The process for these gatherings focused upon the following two fundamental questions:
- What are our values? What do we cherish most in life and thereby in education?
- What skills, understandings (knowledge), and dispositions should our teacher education graduates possess?
These questions are based upon our belief that values form the foundation of any philosophy of education. Values translate into educational goals and purposes which in turn may be conceived in terms of the characteristics of the teacher candidates we graduate. Based upon an intensive exploration and discussion of these two fundamental questions the faculty articulated and agreed upon the following:
Core Values
The Adelphi University School of Education advocates the following values:
- Scholarship
- Reflective Practice
- Social Justice
- Inclusive Community
- Wellness
- Creativity and the Arts
Our core values determine our purpose and goals.
Scholarship
We believe teachers must be scholars who value and engage in life-long learning.
Knowledge Base for Scholarship
Candidate Proficiencies in Scholarship
Reflective Practice
We understand the learning process as a fluid, complex, and dialogical process. Our educational philosophy then, stresses the value of learning through meaningful activity and reflection within a community of scholars/educators.
Knowledge Base for Reflective Practice
Candidate Proficiencies in Reflective Practice
Social Justice
We recognize learning as a sociocultural dynamic and therefore seek to frame our learning and service within the cultural, historical, and material contexts of the diverse populations of the New York metropolitan area. Educators must be aware of the ways schools may reproduce hierarchies based on race, class, gender, and sexuality. Awareness should lead to action as teachers embrace their roles as student advocates and active community members.
Knowledge Base for Social Justice
Candidate Proficiencies in Social Justice
Inclusive Community
Our conception of learning as a sociocultural dynamic leads us to a philosophy that embraces community and collaboration. Democratic, collaborative learning communities that welcome diversity and honor the voices of all hold the most promise for individual as well as organizational progress.
Knowledge Base for Inclusive Community
Candidate Proficiencies in Inclusive Community
Wellness
Our conception of learning is holistic. That is, we believe values and personal growth in the physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual domains should be nurtured as well as skills and knowledge.
Knowledge Base for Wellness
Candidate Proficiencies in Wellness
Creativity and the Arts
In line with our emphasis on holistic education is our belief in the value of creative expression and artistic exploration to personal and professional growth. Creativity and vision are inherent in our conception of the good teacher. The creative process allows us to reflect on our world as well as envision ways of making it more humane, just, and beautiful.
Knowledge Base for Creativity and the Arts
Candidate Proficiencies in Creativity and the Arts
These goals are conceived and presented as broad ideals to strive for rather than as fixed destinations. We acknowledge that, whereas teacher candidates and clinical candidates may show variation in achieving these goals, the process of achievement is at the heart of their educational journey. These values and goals pertain to the liberal and professional education of teacher candidates and professional practitioners in allied fields.
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