Education

Department of Education Mission Statement

The Mission of the Department of Education is to provide professional programs for in-service and pre-service educators that emphasize:

• Helping students learn to use their minds well
• Learning through reflection and experience
• Commitment to democratic ideals and procedures
• Caring and flexible approaches to working with students of all ages.

Department of Education Vision Statement

The certification programs offered by the Department of Education emphasize reflective thinking, literacy, and democratic leadership. These programs can be integrated with baccalaureate and master's degree programs, and combine education courses and collaborative field experiences, under the supervision of faculty who demonstrate exemplary models in teaching, leadership, research, and service.

For in-Service professionals, our programs provide flexible and appropriate learning opportunities that widen perceptual frameworks while advancing the skills and attitudes necessary for school leadership in a democratic society.

Graduates of these programs are educators who:

• Value reflection as a basis of continual improvement, planning as a means of providing for multiple needs, and democratic collaboration as a problem-solving strategy, and individualized achievement as a way of promoting life-long learning among their students.
• Value diversity as an essential ingredient of a democratic society.
• Model continued professional growth by reflecting upon the interaction of personal experiences, research, and pedagogical beliefs
• Are enthusiastic, pro-active, student-centered classroom leaders.
• Demonstrate excellence in instructional preparation and practice by providing a rich variety of positive, inclusive learning environments which encourage all students to become critical thinkers, problem-solvers and inquirers -- future citizens whose school experiences lead to active participation in an ever-changing global society.

Eastern Washington University began as a school for teaching training. In 1890 the Cheney State Normal School began in the Benjamin P. Cheney Academy which began in 1882.

The teacher education program at Eastern Washington University is fully accredited by the State of Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).