Conceptual Framework The Effective Educator
General Statement:
The COEHD’s Conceptual Framework provides direction for the development of effective professionals. It is a living document that continuously evolves as opportunities and challenges emerge. The four components of the CF are the institutional standards used for candidate assessment in undergraduate and graduate programs. They are Knowledge of Learner (KL), Strategies and Methods (SM), Content Knowledge (CK), and Professional Standards (PS). Diversity and Technology are included in the assessment process as themes that are integrated throughout all programs in the educational unit (diversity) (technology).
Knowledge of Learner
Candidates’ understanding of the learner which is necessary to provide effective and equitable instruction
The educational unit prepares candidates to demonstrate and value sensitivity to the needs of all learners. Candidates acquire an understanding of learners as individuals and incorporate this knowledge as they progress through their educational experiences at Southeastern. As effective professionals, they continue that practice throughout their careers. Diversity is an integral part of the program, and Technology is integrated throughout the program.
Strategies and Methods
Strategies and methods appropriate to each program within the educational unit which are necessary to develop effective professionals
The effective professional demonstrates best practices through inquiry, creativity, and reflective thinking. Constructive and reflective problem-solving processes require the effective professional to consider and integrate complex information. Diversity is an integral part of the program, and Technology is integrated throughout the program.
Content Knowledge
Candidates’ thorough understanding of the content appropriate to the area of specialization
Candidates exhibit depth of knowledge in their area of specialization and breadth of understanding of general subjects within the educational unit. Diversity is an integral part of the program, and Technology is integrated throughout the program.
Professional Standards
Established criteria that guide effective professionals in each discipline area
The educational unit is based on professional standards, enabling candidates to develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to become effective professionals. University course objectives and learner outcomes are aligned with national, state, and institutional standards. Candidates incorporate professional standards as they progress through their educational experiences at Southeastern and continue that practice throughout their careers. Diversity is an integral part of the program, and Technology is integrated throughout the program.
Mission Statement: The College of Education and Human Development exists to serve the regional, state, national, and global communities by developing effective professionals through implementing innovative and progressive programs.
Vision Statement: The faculty of the College of Education and Human Development prepares candidates to become effective professionals who set the standard for excellence through best practices.
The following definitions are offered to help the reader understand the conceptual framework:
Candidate (the Southeastern student) Teaching & Learning-The Effective Educator
Educational Leadership & Technology-The Effective School Leader
Human Development-The Effective School Counselor
Learner: Teaching & Learning-the PK-12 student
Educational Leadership & Technology–principals, teachers, students, supervisors
Human Development-students, parents
Partners: The wider professional community, including the Colleges of Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences; Science & Technology; Nursing & Health Sciences; P-12 schools; and the professional community
Knowledge Base: Theoretical foundation in the appropriate field for best practices as applied to developing the conceptual framework.
Diversity: The unit provides opportunities for candidates to understand the role of diversity and equity in the teaching and learning process. The effective professional can help all students learn and can teach from multicultural and global perspectives that draw on the histories, experiences, and representations of students from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Technology: Technology is emphasized throughout all programs and is used to support and improve student learning.
Knowledge: Candidates have a thorough understanding of subject matter they plan to teach and a thorough understanding of the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of their fields, as delineated in professional, state, and institutional standards.
Skills: Candidates have a thorough understanding of pedagogical and professional knowledge skills in their fields as delineated in professional, state, and institutional standards
Dispositions: Candidates work with students, families, and communities in ways that reflect the dispositions expected of professional educators as delineated in professional, state, and institutional standards.