Graduate Studies in Education
Larry Hall, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
Trevor F. Hutchins, Associate Dean, School of Education

Mary Etta Cook, Sharon Crumpton, Rachael Flynn, Melinda Grimac, Zafrullah Khan, Joy Kimmons, Merrie King, C. Steven Murphree, Mary Frances Phenicie, Robbie Pinter, Jim Stamper, Cynthia Watkins

Vision:

As a central part of a premier teaching university, the unit provides the knowledge, skills, and experiences for a person to pursue a life-long commitment to quality teaching. Our vision is for educators who see teaching as an integral human activity that both imparts and facilitates the gaining of knowledge. We want teachers who not only facilitate candidate learning but who also enjoy what they are doing and are energized by creatively employing a variety of educative processes. We envision graduates who are positive role models in all senses and who continually reflect on their role and performance as a teacher.

This vision, facilitated through and supported by Belmont University's vision of a consistently caring Christian environment, and enacted through our Conceptual Framework will enable the individual to build toward becoming an effective educator.

Purpose:

To provide an innovative approach to meet the needs of today's teachers. A commitment to a strong academic content base reflects the belief that excellence in teaching rests on knowledge in an academic discipline. Academic knowledge is not sufficient, for it is the successful application of this knowledge in a classroom context that determines the effectiveness of a teacher. To assist teachers to effectively blend theory, research and practice in their own classroom.

Goals:

The goals for the Master of Education degree are:

1. To develop effective teachers who are scholars, skillful communicators, and competent practitioners.
2. To integrate theory and practice.
3. To facilitate the development in students of these qualities of effective teachers as expressed in the National Board Standards but with an emphasis on: critical thinking, clear communication, strong academic understanding, leadership and high ethical standards