Conceptual Framework
Mission Statement
The mission of Evangel University is to provide opportunities for
Assemblies of God individuals to develop academically and intellectually
in an accredited Christian liberal arts educational program; and to
inspire these individuals in a Pentecostal environment to develop spiritually,
emotionally, and culturally in order to serve God and their fellow
man in their chosen careers.
Theme: Christ Is Lord
Jesus Christ, for the Christian, is the most important fact in history,
not only in world history, but in the personal history of the individual.
Christians seek to be Christ-like in obedience, purpose, motivation,
word, and deed.
Education Department: Philosophy, Purposes, and Goals
The Education Department, in cooperation with the other University
departments and through its own curriculum development, implements
professional career preparation programs in teaching, including
Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School, Secondary, and Special
Education. Through these programs, it provides for the spiritual, intellectual,
cultural, physical, and emotional development of the Christian
teacher--one who is dedicated to the improvement of and service to
the student and local and world communities.
Department Theme: "Caring, Committed, Competent Teachers Shape
the Future"
Knowledge Base of the Teacher Education Programs:
- Academic Preparation: A teacher must be academically
prepared in the following areas:
- General Education: The prospective teacher will
explore new areas of interest, broaden his/her intellectual background,
and integrate areas of knowledge through the understanding of similarities
and differences in various fields of study.
- Pedagogy: An effective teacher must demonstrate
appropriate pedagogical competencies involved in planning, using
resources, utilizing time, maintaining a behavior management plan,
providing a safe and positive learning environment, demonstrating
sensitivity to differences, communicating effectively, using effective
teaching strategies, and using appropriate assessment techniques.
- Content Area: An effective teacher will be one
who has expertise in (a) specific content area(s).
- Human Relations/Personality: A teacher must be
able to communicate with others effectively, understand and appreciate
the differences of others, and develop a social awareness and compassion
for human need. A teacher must be able to convey an enthusiasm for
the subject content and learning in a warm, caring, and understanding
way.
- Value System/Professionalism: A teacher will be a positive role
model, will act in ways that respect the values of the subject matter
and students he/she teaches, and will demonstrate high ethical standards
as a professional.
- Wellness: A teacher will demonstrate a lifestyle
that evidences physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual wellness.
- Multicultural Awareness: A teacher will exhibit
an appreciation and tolerance for cultural diversity and possess
a social awareness and compassion for human need
The Teacher Education Graduate Of Evangel Will Be One Who Displays
These Dispositions:
- Has enthusiasm for the discipline.
- Is a life-long learner, committed to continuous learning.
- Appreciates multiple perspectives.
- Appreciates and respects diversity and individuality and believes
all students can learn.
- Is a thoughtful and responsive listener.
- Makes students feel valued.
- Respects privacy and confidentiality.
- Encourages student self-expression and open discussion in a culturally-sensitive
setting.
- Is committed to student learning.
- Is concerned for the whole child.
- Recognizes the value of intrinsic motivation to students' life-long
learning.
- Values development of students' critical thinking and independent
problem solving.
- Values planning for instruction and appropriate revision of plans
as needed.
- Engages in appropriate practices.
- Establishes a positive classroom climate.
- Values and is committed to ongoing assessment that is aligned with
instruction and student learning.
- Recognizes professional responsibility to engage in appropriate
professional practices and development.
- Is willing to give and receive help.
- Encourages and supports colleagues.
- Is sensitive to community.
- Is willing to work with others.
The Knowledge BASE of the Teacher Education Program encompasses the
following Missouri standards (MO STEP):
- The entry-level teacher understands the central concepts, tools
of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) within the context
of a global society and creates learning experiences that make these
aspects of subject matter meaningful for students.
- The entry-level teacher understands how students learn and develop
and provides learning opportunities that support the intellectual,
social, and personal development of all students.
- The entry-level teacher understands how students differ in their
approaches to learning and creates instructional opportunities that
are adapted to diverse learners.
- The entry-level teacher recognizes the importance of long-range
planning and curriculum development and develops, implements, and
evaluates curriculum based upon student, district, and state performance
standards.
- The entry-level teacher uses a variety of instructional strategies
to encourage students' development of critical thinking, problem
solving, and performance skills.
- The entry-level teacher uses an understanding of individual and
group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that
encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning,
and self-motivation.
- The entry-level teacher models effective verbal, nonverbal, and
media communication techniques to foster active inquiry, collaboration,
and supportive interaction in the classroom.
- The entry-level teacher understands and uses formal and informal
assessment strategies to evaluate and ensure the continuous intellectual,
social, and physical development of the learner.
- The entry-level teacher is a reflective practitioner who continually
assesses the effects of choice and actions on others. This reflective
practitioner actively seeks out opportunities to grow professionally
and utilize the assessment and professional growth to generate more
learning for more students.
- The entry-level teacher fosters relationships with school colleagues,
parents, and educational partners in the larger community to support
student learning and well being.
- The pre-service teacher understands the theory and application
of technology in educational settings and has technological skills
to create meaningful learning opportunities for all students.