Mission and Goals

Misericordia University's Teacher Education Department is committed to preparing excellent teachers. One of the university's first majors, Teacher Education embraces the university’s mission and continues to reflect the values of our founders: mercy, justice, service, and hospitality.

The program seeks to develop effective teachers who are masters of the content they will teach and who teach in pedagogically sound ways that inspire students to learn. Using educational theory and methods courses with the liberal arts core as a base, the program provides a variety of learning opportunities to facilitate a thorough knowledge of human development and an appreciation of diversity so that, as teachers, graduates will understand, respect, and respond to the unique strengths, needs and desires presented by individual students and their families.

Through coursework and field-based activities that are conducted in collaboration with partnering schools and agencies, teacher candidates study, observe and apply strategies to structure learning experiences and environments responsive to students’ needs. Through teaching, supervision, and personal example, education faculty establishes the expectation that students will conduct themselves at all times in accordance with the highest standards of ethical practice and professionalism. The faculty strives to develop in our graduates a commitment to on-going personal and professional growth.

TED faculty have combined the goals of the University with those suggested by PDE and other groups to produce fifteen departmental goals, from which they have identified a series of objectives (i.e.,"competency" statements) which students must meet. The objectives for given courses are listed in course syllabi.

Communication Skills

Graduates of Misericordia University's TED shall demonstrate that they have the knowledge and skills needed to confidently and effectively orally and in writing communicate with students, other professionals, families, and with members of their communities.

Mental and Physical Skills

Graduates of Misericordia University's TED shall demonstrate that they possess the mental and physical skills and tolerance for stress needed to function as classroom teachers.

Commitment to Students

Graduates of Misericordia University's TED shall demonstrate a sincere commitment to the education of all students and be willing to advocate for children and their families.

Foundations of Education

Graduates of Misericordia University's TED shall explain sociological and philosophical factors that have led to the development of and that currently support and regulate educational practices, including Pennsylvania's Code of Conduct and Practice for Teachers. In doing so, they shall evidence a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities classroom teachers, as well as the rights and responsibilities of students and their families.

Growth and Development

Graduates of Misericordia University's TED shall explain how students grow and develop and demonstrate a willingness and ability to adjust their teaching to meet the needs of individual students, including students with special needs. Graduates shall be especially sensitive to the challenges faced by female students, students with disabilities, and members of minority groups.

Learning

Graduates of Misericordia University's TED shall use research to explain the processes and complexities of learning and use this knowledge to plan and implement teaching/learning activities that support the intellectual, social/emotional, career, and personal development of students.

Curriculum Structure

Graduates of Misericordia University's TED shall explain how curriculum is developed, structured, regulated, and used by teachers to plan, monitor, and evaluate instruction and students' learning. Students shall demonstrate a clear understanding of the Pennsylvania Academic Standards.

Content Mastery

Graduates of Misericordia University's TED will demonstrate mastery of the curriculum they will be expected to teach and a willingness to engage in professional development activities which ensure their continued mastery.

Basic Teaching Processes

Graduates of Misericordia University's TED shall demonstrate the ability to effectively organize classrooms and educational spaces so that they are conducive to learning and which ensure students' safety and security; analyze data and situations to make decisions which benefit students; and plan, implement, and assess direct instruction within a mastery learning paradigm.

Advanced Teaching Processes

Graduates of Misericordia University's TED shall effectively implement a variety of advanced teaching procedures that allow students, independently and cooperatively, multiple pathways to learning and which challenge them to explore and understand challenging concepts, topics and issues.

Classroom Management

Graduates of Misericordia University's TED shall demonstrate a willingness and ability to use an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior to create learning environments that encourage positive social interaction, active learning, critical thinking and problem solving, and independence. They will be devoted to creating schools and classrooms which are welcoming, caring, stimulating, inclusive, and safe places in which students are challenged to take risks, make choices, work independently and collaboratively, and be supported in their growth and development.

Family Involvement

Graduates of Misericordia University's TED shall acknowledge and respect the roles and responsibilities of parents and families and be willing to enter into partnership arrangements with those interested in the education of students.

Respect for Diversity

Graduates of Misericordia University's TED shall see "diversity as normal" and evidence an authentic respect for all students, families, coworkers, and school personnel. They should see themselves as teachers prepared to work with all students without regard to factors related to gender, race, creed, economic status, physical attributes, or ability. Personal and Collegial Graduates of Misericordia University's TED shall know and be comfortable with themselves in ways which cause them to be willing and able to work effectively with students, other professionals, and parents. Professional Graduates of Misericordia University's TED shall be fully aware of their profession's standards and practices, including its codes of ethics (e.g., Pennsylvania's Code of Conduct and Practice for Teachers); look forward to being contributing members and active leaders of their profession; and function ethically and responsibly as members of their communities.