Daemen College : Academics & Research : Division of Health & Human Services : Education : Mission & Goals

Mission & Goals

The Mission of the Education Department is to ensure that our graduates participate in active discourse and practica opportunities, thereby enhancing personal and professional growth. These opportunities enable our graduates to possess the following: knowledge, understanding and skills in the liberal arts and sciences; content core knowledge; pedagogical core knowledge; understanding regarding equity, diversity and exceptionality; and professional skills necessary for reflective practice. We believe that we graduate community minded, life long learners/teachers who, like all Daemen graduates, are prepared for life and leadership in an increasingly complex and interdependent world.

Goal 1 – Knowledge of Subject Matter

Teacher candidates will understand the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structure of the discipline(s) they teach and create learning experiences that make these aspects of subject matter meaningful to students.

Goal 2 – Knowledge of Human Development and Learning

Teacher candidates will understand how children learn and develop, and can provide learning opportunities that support their intellectual, social, and personal development.

Goal 3 – Instructional Strategies for Diverse Learners

Teacher candidates will understand how students differ in their approaches to learning and create instructional opportunities that are adapted to diverse learners.

Goal 4 – Multiple Instructional Strategies

Teacher candidates will understand and use a variety of instructional strategies to encourage students’ development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills.

Goal 5 – Motivation and Management

Teacher candidates will encourage an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interactions, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.

Goal 6 – Communication and Technology

Teacher candidates will use knowledge of effective verbal, non-verbal, and media communication techniques to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom and across learning communities.

Goal 7– Instructional Planning

Teacher candidates will plan instruction based on knowledge of students, subject matter, the community, and curriculum goals.

Goal 8 – Assessment of Learning

Teacher candidates will understand and use formal and informal assessment strategies to evaluate and ensure the continuous intellectual, social, and physical development of the learner.

Goal 9 – Professional Development

Teacher candidate, as reflective practitioners, will continually evaluate the effects of their choices and actions on others (students, parents, and other professionals) and actively seek opportunities to grow professionally.

Goal 10 – School/Community Involvement

Teacher candidates will foster relationships with school colleagues, parents, and agencies in the larger community to support students’ learning and well being.