SOE's MISSION

The School of Education (SOE) at College of the Southwest has as its overarching charge the preparation of undergraduate and graduate students for the education profession. In keeping with the College mission, the SOE will provide a high quality learning experience in a supportive educational community of character that values faith, responsibility, and initiative. The academic program of study is designed to foster learning in an atmosphere where the intellectual pursuit of knowledge and scientific objectivity within the context of the College mission is primary.

The underlying purpose of the educational process is the development of aesthetic awareness, critical judgment, and creative expression through the rigorous pursuit of truth, the development of an enlightened mind, and the development of the rigor of thought and investigation in a context of intellectual freedom and the College mission. The ultimate goal is the development of responsible individuals, who have moral integrity, faith in the Creator, intellectual honesty, social consciousness, and the ability and desire to render service to others (2002).

In order to accomplish its primary purpose, the School of Education established the following minimum goals:

  1. Prepare students for New Mexico licensure in Elementary and/or Secondary Education, Special Education, School Administration, School Counseling, and Educational Diagnostics based on a shared vision and coherent academic program that is consistent with the College mission and SOE conceptual framework.
  2. Prepare students to attain New Mexico endorsement in one or more of eight teaching fields.
  3. Ensure students= commitment to the education profession and the diverse populations served.
  4. Instill in students the motivation to provide community service.
  5. Prepare students to meet the demands of the real-world challenges of careers in education, including the use of educational technology to help all students learn.
  6. Ensure a high degree of knowing that emphasizes knowledge testing and application.
  7. Foster respect for and understanding of diversity, global perspectives, and international issues that support learning for all students.

The School of Education also established minimum objectives to give direction in the pursuit of its goals. These objectives are not all encompassing, but instead serve as guides and planning tools to the School of Education:

  1. Ensure education candidates are screened for academic preparation, professional dispositions, and commitment to the education profession.
  2. Ensure requisite course work, aligned with professional and state standards, is provided for licensure and endorsement attainment.
  3. Provide sufficient field experiences, practica, and internships to prepare students for the real-world of education careers.
  4. Ensure student participation in accredited school programs that represent diverse student populations, including levels of income, culture, religion, language, gender, ethnicity, etc.
  5. Include professional educators from area schools in the preparation process.
  6. Design required academic activities to increase students= knowledge bases, research experiences, and awareness of current educational issues.
  7. Model diverse teaching and learning strategies that actively engage students and reflect the natural learning cycle grounded in the research-based 4MAT System(McCarthy).
  8. Develop a student-centered attitude based upon a person-centered philosophy of education.

(Revised Fall 2002; Edited Spring 2003)