Purpose Statement:

The purpose of the teacher education program at Covenant College is to prepare competent and compassionate teachers who practice their profession according to biblical guidelines in diverse educational settings. Candidates develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to become teachers who model life-long learning and faithful service to God as change-agents in society.

Teacher Standards:

Domain A: Knowledge

1. Framework. Apply a biblical worldview to the nature and needs of learners, content and professional knowledge, and instructional competence
2. Student Development. Utilize knowledge of human learning and development to provide learning opportunities that support students’ physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual growth
3. Content. Demonstrate understanding of the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he/she teaches and create learning experiences that make these aspects of the subject matter meaningful for students.

1. Planning. Plan instruction based upon knowledge of subject matter, curriculum goals and standards, student differences, and the social and cultural characteristics of the community
2. Diversity. Create instructional opportunities that are adapted to the needs of diverse learners, including learning differences related to culture, language, gender and ability.

1. Instructional Strategies. Use a variety of instructional strategies to encourage students’ development of critical thinking, problem, solving, and performance skills.
2. Technology. Use appropriate technology in the teaching and learning process.

1. Assessment. Understand and use formal and informal assessment strategies to evaluate and ensure the continuous intellectual, emotional, and social development of the student.

1. Management. Create and maintain a learning environment that encourages responsible care for others, collaborative inquiry, active engagement in learning, and self motivation.
2. Communication. Use effective communication to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom.

1. Professional Growth. Be an ethical, reflective practitioner who continually evaluates the effects of his/her choices and actions on others and who actively pursues opportunities to grow professionally.
2. Community. Foster relationships with colleagues, parents, and agencies in the larger community to support student learning and well being.