Based on the mission of the college, a sound liberal arts education, and a major in a content-specific major, and through the force of the programmatic theme, the courses and experiences offered in the professional education curriculum are designed to foster in each student:

1. The knowledge of current schools, schooling, and teaching as a profession; including the historical, social, spiritual, and philosophical foundations of American education; organizational, curricular, and legal aspects; and trends affecting schools and teaching;

2. The knowledge of the characteristics of students who make up the schools, including human growth and development (cognitive, moral, social, spiritual, physical, and emotional); and the culturally diverse and exceptional populations of students;

3. A knowledge of the psychological principles and theories that underline effective educational practices, including developmental processes, individual differences and motivation, learning theory, measurement and evaluation, and teacher behavior;

4. A knowledge of the interrelated processes of listening, speaking, reading, writing, and viewing, including how to teach the reading and writing processes;

5. A knowledge of and facility with the three primary teaching strategies: presentation, questioning, and induction, including organizing, managing, and evaluating teaching and learning; using related media, research related to student achievement; and content-specific research and practice;

6. The necessary tools for a successful internship, including the ability to integrate theoretical and practical knowledge and experience; the knowledge and skills, and dispositions necessary to maintain a classroom environment conductive to learning; and the ability to make decisions through knowledge, reflection, and caring, and through an integration of faith and learning;

7. A desire to become a lifelong learner, particularly through association with professional organizations.