Since its founding in 1867, the University of Utah has been a state and national leader in teacher education. In keeping with its focus on innovative teacher education in a changing world, the College of Education has developed an exciting new research-based program that is focused on preparing educators for 21st century schools. The new program, which is currently accepting admission applications at the undergraduate and graduate level for fall semester 2008, includes courses and field experiences taught by faculty from every department in the College of Education and throughout the University. Our goal is to ensure new teachers learn content and teaching skills through an extensive professional education core that integrates the arts, sciences, and academic learning. Every new early childhood, elementary, secondary, and special education teacher will be able to effectively work with students across various age and ability levels, and diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds in both urban and rural settings. Based on the principle of universal design for learning, the new U of U program prepares teachers to create instructional programs that work for all students. New teachers gain an in-depth understanding of student-centered learning; how to be culturally competent and responsive professionals; implement the most effective teaching practices; and promote family involvement in education within a three tier model of instruction. Tier I focuses on classroom instruction that is provided to all students using research-based practices to teach the core curriculum. For some students, however, this instruction is not enough to learn the required skills. These students need targeted supplemental instruction. Tier II meets the needs of these students by providing them additional time for intensive small-group instruction on a daily basis. Tier III instruction meets the learning needs of a small number of students who require specially designed intensive instruction. The U of U professional education core provides new teachers the opportunity to learn about child, adolescent, and human development; multicultural/multilingual education and effective instructional approaches for English language learners, students at risk and those with disabilities in inclusive classrooms; how to integrate arts education into academic learning; research and inquiry in education; assessment and data-based decision-making; communication and language development; reading, writing, and math methods; using technology in diverse classrooms; understanding education law and policy; strategies for school wide support; working with families, character education; and international education. This new professional education core is the foundation for the many teaching specializations available at the U of U, including a new interdisciplinary early childhood education program (pre-kindergarten through grade three); elementary education (grades one through eight); secondary education (grades six through twelve) with a new four year undergraduate math teaching major and content majors available in fine arts, science, social and behavioral science, health, and humanities); and special education (early childhood special education birth to age five; mild to moderate disabilities, severe disabilities, hearing impairments, and visual impairments for grades kindergarten through twelve). For more information on undergraduate and graduate admissions applications, student scholarships, grants, and loans, as well as the specific requirements for teaching majors in our new program, visit the links above or contact the College of Education at 801 581-8221. | "What teachers know and can do makes the crucial difference in what children learn." The corollary is that good teacher education has never been more important." National Commission on Teaching and America's Future
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