Department of Teacher Education
The Teacher Education Department at Southern Utah University prepares teachers and leaders to succeed in creating just, safe, and supportive schools for all students. We provide our graduates with research-based knowledge and experiences that help them improve schools, communities, and themselves wherever they serve.
Professional values associated with this Mission include:
Knowledge of Learners and Learning - Expert teachers have a practical understanding of learning theories, and know that no two individuals develop in exactly the same way. Our learners understand how to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of students, taking into account their socio-cultural backgrounds and prior experiences.
Experiential-Learning - Experience is the fundamental building block of learning. Our learners experience the intersection of curriculum, pedagogy and hands-on experiences that transform them into highly competent, critically reflective teachers and leaders.
Relationships and Communities of Practice - Learning is grounded in relationships. Our learners embrace developing and maintaining interpersonal relationships with students, parents, colleagues and the community. We model professional learning communities through faculty collaboration and student relationships, and in the institutional relationships with our community and partner schools. These communities highlight the need for integrity, honesty, and trust in our dealings with others.
Education for All - Schools are a place of learning for everyone. We develop and nurture professional educators who value all people wherever they serve. Such educators will act as agents of change, advocate for their schools and communities, and will embolden students to do the same.
Professional Growth and Wellbeing - The autonomy to make moral and ethical decisions that benefit students and themselves is the heart of good teaching. Teacher longevity, creativity, and effectiveness is undermined by overemphasis on measurable student outcomes and performance. We strive to help teachers find a healthy balance among the resources and challenges they will face in their work.
Elementary/Secondary Education
What's Your Why? Check out the video below to see what some of our students and faculty are saying about why they decided teaching was their calling!
The goals of the department are to develop teachers/educators who:
- Are academically competent in subjects they are to teach
- Have a broad background of general education and appreciate the value of both liberal arts and science in modern society
Have a working knowledge of the historical and philosophical foundations of education- Have a sincere belief in the dignity of the individual and have compassion and empathy
- Have a working knowledge of effective classroom management and the skills of teaching
- Realize that teaching is both an art and a science
- Realize that America is a culturally diverse society and have a commitment to multiculturalism and pluralism
- Provide students with action based, experience rich learning opportunities
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Check out our Podcast
Elevating the K12 Classroom: A Legacy of Teacher Preparation at SUU
Join hosts Laureen Graves and Tony Pellegrini to discover the rich history of teacher preparation at Southern Utah University. This podcast series celebrates the century-long legacy of excellence that SUU has cultivated in educating future educators.
Accolades
SUU wins 4th place for the most Affordable Teaching Degree in 2021
Going to college doesn’t have to cost a fortune. There are plenty of great programs available that offer quality education for a reduced cost. Here is a look at the cheapest teaching degrees in the country, that still offer value for your money...
SUU is one of the 50 Favorite Online Bachelor's in Education
Not only is SUU able to keep the degree cheap, we are also able to bring quality education to the table. Here are the top 50 Online Bachelors degrees according to Teacher.org!
SUU wins 10th place for the Most Affordable Online Education Degrees in 2022
Courses include Principles of Curriculum and Instruction; Educational Psychology; Human Development Throughout the Lifespan; and Foundations in Early Childhood Education, Schools, Society, and Diversity. SUU students also have the option to minor in Special Education. They can attend at a full- or part-time pace and can finish the degree in as few as three years.