Conceptual Framework

Educational personnel must be well prepared with regard to content knowledge and practical skills as well as understanding of learners and the influences on them. They must understand the factors that impact educational success, be sensitive to cultural, linguistic and socio-economic factors as expressed in the diverse individuals they encounter, work to construct inclusive environments in which all can succeed, skillfully utilize the educational and technological tools available to them, collaboratively engage with colleagues and the community, and systematically reflect and act on the effectiveness of their practice. They must also exhibit appropriate professional dispositions, concern themselves with the ethics of their actions, be accountable for their performance, and be committed to ongoing improvement of their own personal capabilities. The BGSU goal is to empower our educator candidates to act in various capacities to positively impact the future of learners, clients, and colleagues. Toward that end, we hold the following statements as guiding core concepts:

P = An effective educator is broadly and thoroughly prepared.
R = An effective educator is a reflective practitioner.
E = An effective educator is actively engaged within the larger educational community.
P = An effective educator is foremost a professional, with a lifelong commitment to learning and to all learners.

The educator preparation unit at BGSU is fully accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).