Vision and Mission
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION VISION
The vision of the University of South Carolina Beaufort’s (USCB) Department of Education is to establish USCB as the primary resource for educators and school systems in the Lowcountry. This is accomplished through partnerships with school districts and educators, outreach to the community, and the development of USCB as the recognized source of expertise and activity in education.
Specifically, the unit envisions an education unit that educates and trains prospective teachers based on accepted research and developmental practices strengthened by professional preparation experiences in the public schools of the region. The unit envisions faculty who educate and train prospective teachers, are recognized leaders in the educational community, and who add to the knowledge base of education through research. The unit envisions graduates who have the professional knowledge base, pedagogical expertise, and the dispositions to synthesize these abilities to work effectively in the everyday environment of the education system. These graduates, working in diverse settings with diverse populations, will accept all students where they are in the learning process and devise a learning environment that will enable each student to reach his or her potential.
The unit envisions professionals in education who are able to effectively represent themselves and their profession in the community. This representation includes an advocacy for students and education, along with an ability to inform and communicate to members of the community on issues relating to students and schools in a manner that is respectful of all members of the community.
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION MISSION
The Department of Education is committed to a quality program that prepares constructivist educators to be nurturers, communicators, reflective practitioners and quality instructors. The curriculum is designed to develop these qualities in educators. Teacher education candidates are encouraged to reach their academic and professional potential through exposure to highly qualified faculty, professional learning environments, and a supportive atmosphere in a multicultural setting. Candidates are prepared to work with and teach students of varied cultural, ethnic, and economic backgrounds.
At USCB, the Department of Education currently offers one program, Early Childhood Education. The Early Childhood Education Program has been designed to support and fulfill USCB’s mission to “offer baccalaureate degrees which respond to regional needs, draw upon regional strengths, and prepare graduates to participate successfully in the local as well as global community.” Our degree in Early Childhood Education fulfills requirements for teacher certification in Early Childhood Education, grades Pre-K - 3. In addition, the Department of Education supports and models the USCB Core Values of integrity, collaboration, innovation, responsiveness, accountability, and excellence.
