The University of Tulsa ~ School of Education

About the School

Academic Programs & Departments

Framework for the University of Tulsa's
School of Education Teacher Education Program

The University of Tulsa is a private, independent, doctoral-degree granting institution, whose mission reflects these core values: excellence in scholarship, dedication to free inquiry, integrity of character, and commitment to humanity (University of Tulsa Mission, 1999). These core values are also central to the mission, operations, and outcomes of the School of Education (housed in the Henry Kendall College of Arts and Sciences). The university and the School of Education achieves its mission by educating men and women of diverse backgrounds and cultures to

become literate in the sciences, humanities, and arts;

think critically, and write and speak clearly;

succeed in their professions and careers;

behave ethically in all aspects of their lives;

welcome the responsibility of citizenship and service in a changing world; and

acquire the skills and appetite for lifelong learning (University Mission, 1999).

Building on this University Mission, the School of Education Teacher Education Program seeks to develop graduates that, as professional educators:

are experts in their subject areas;

know how to teach;

act as public intellectuals.

By being experts in their subject areas, we mean that our graduates master the central concepts of their chosen major and minor, as well as develop the ability to think critically and speak and write clearly in the appropriate genres for their field of study. In addition, they have a foundation in the liberal arts and sciences that allows them to locate their subject area in historical, social, and philosophical context.

By knowing how to teach, we claim that our graduates master the art and skill of teaching through coursework and field-based experiences that integrate theory and practice. This includes general professional knowledge, general skills of teaching (setting up appropriate environments for learning, assessing student strengths and needs, planning for instruction for all students, implementing such plans, assessing student learning as a result of instruction, and reflecting critically on these activities), and specific skills of teaching their subject area.

By being public intellectuals, we intend that our graduates be driven by a reasoned, justified, and articulated philosophy of education and that they be critical and creative thinkers. They take seriously their role as citizens, servants, and leaders in our society, and behave ethically in all aspects of their lives. They also realize that they do not know everything they will need to know to be influential teachers and public intellectuals, and as a result have developed the skills and dispositions for lifelong learning. Most of all, as public intellectuals, they recognize and embrace this calling to create an impact beyond the classroom, one that filters into the broader community over the years.

The University of Tulsa

School of Education
Chapman Hall [campus map]
(918) 631-2313
fax (918) 631-2133

Mailing Address:
800 South Tucker Drive, Tulsa, OK 74104