College of Education and Allied Studies : College of Education and Allied Studies : Bridgewater State University

Our mission for educator licensure programs at Bridgewater State University is to prepare competent, caring professionals who foster student learning. To become effective educators, candidates must demonstrate professional knowledge, skills and dispositions. They learn to continually evaluate their practice and collaborate with others to build strong classrooms and schools. We use the "Growth of the Professional Educator Model" to incorporate the themes of student learning, effective practice and collaboration throughout programs offered at the university.

At the center of this mission is meaningful student learning. We believe that effective educators create environments where students construct knowledge from experience. Our candidates design classrooms and schools that are places of inquiry, where their students value learning and place their knowledge in the context of our global society. Our candidates teach their students to use a variety of skills and technological tools to demonstrate that their knowledge meets clear standards.

In order to foster powerful learning experiences for students, education professionals must continually evaluate their practice. Our candidates learn to analyze learning environments and to incorporate the best research-based practices. They combine their command of pedagogical content knowledge with their understanding of diversity and child development in order to build curriculum around their students. Our candidates become familiar with the many uses of technology in the classroom, and learn how to skillfully incorporate it into their pedagogy. They use a variety of assessments to refine their practice and accommodate all learners. We ensure that our candidates are ethical, caring people who value diversity in all forms and work towards promoting social justice and equity.

To work effectively in schools, education professionals must collaborate effectively with others. Our candidates learn to draw on their students' backgrounds, to work closely with parents, to share expertise with colleagues, and to use the resources of the broader community. In doing so, they build communities of learners that extend well beyond the classroom. Bridgewater State University is a key part of this process, fostering collaboration and spreading educational resources throughout Southeastern Massachusetts.

Mission Components	Goals
PK-12 Student Learning (SL)	BSU educator candidates enable PK-12 students to: 1. Construct and demonstrate knowledge through authentic achievement 2. Understand and respect diversity 3. Demonstrate inquiry and enthusiasm for learning 4. Meet clear standards
Effective Practice: Professional Knowledge, Skills and Dispositions (EP)	BSU educator candidates will: 1. Reflect on teaching and learning 2. Analyze learning environments 3. Use research-based best practices 4. Demonstrate moral, caring dispositions 5. Understand and value diversity 6. Demonstrate and integrate pedagogical content knowledge 7. Use developmentally appropriate practice 8. Develop and use student-centered curriculum 9. Incorporate appropriate technology 10. Use appropriate assessments to refine and inform practice
Collaboration (C)	BSU educator candidates will collaborate with: 1. Students 2. Colleagues 3. Parents and families 4. Community members