The University of Alabama College of Education
http://education.ua.edu/
Mission
The College of Education, as a part of the premier educational institution in Alabama, strives to provide teaching, research, and service that not only address State and regional interests but also accommodate national and international perspectives. The unit prepares practitioners committed (1) to improving the intellectual and social conditions of the people in the state of Alabama and beyond and (2) to understanding the purposes of education by engaging in the ongoing processes of reflection and dialogue that lie at the heart of socially-responsible, theoretically-informed, and research-based effective practice. The unit’s mission is to offer exemplary professional programs to prepare educators to be effective decision makers who facilitate student learning. In fulfilling this mission, the unit recruits high quality candidates and encourages them to become self-directed life-long learners; provides comprehensive instructional programs; and fosters educational research and service to enhance policy making and professional development at state, regional, national, and international levels. The current mission is aligned with the unit’s revised conceptual framework; is consistent with the University’s mission; and reflects NCATE, state, and national standards of professional practice.
To accomplish this mission the College of Education will:
1.Provide research-based, professional educator preparation programs utilizing effective curriculum and instructional techniques;
2.Foster basic and applied research related to educational issues;
3.Synthesize and interpret research about sound content, practice, and policy; and
4.Provide service to schools, the professional community, and public and private sector agencies.