School of Education

Overview

The Aquinas College Educator Preparation Program (EPP) was founded on the belief that teaching is more than a career choice: it is both a gift and a mission.

Forming new teachers since 1994, the program provides a broad spectrum of liberal arts, sciences, and professional education courses permeated with faith and enriched by Christian principles and values, offering candidates an education that is a formation of the whole person.

The human and personal development of each candidate takes place in an environment where the sanctity of each human person is respected, the unity of faith and reason is made clear, the love for truth is cultivated, the fidelity to Church teachings is lived, and the mission of evangelization is embraced. Thus, candidates are prepared to be Teachers of the Truth, enabled to bring the message of salvation to bear on ethical, social, political, religious, and cultural issues in a variety of public, private, and parochial school settings. 

Outcomes of the Programs

The Student Learning Outcomes guide the programs, established by the faculty and accomplished in the delivery of the curriculum, in the experiences provided in K-12 classrooms, and in the classes of the professional core. Identified Student Learning Outcomes state that the Aquinas College Educator Preparation Program initial licensure program graduate will be prepared to:

1. Demonstrate depth and breadth in subject area content.
2. Integrate a variety of instructional strategies to develop student performance skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and personal achievement.
3. Design and implement a variety of assessments to evaluate student progress.
4. Direct and manage individual and group behavior to promote an atmosphere conducive to academic progress.
5. Model respect and reverence for the dignity of all peoples of various cultures and creeds by creating learning opportunities that enhance and value differences in learning styles, development, and other diversities.
6. Employ effective communication techniques to encourage supportive, collaborative interaction among teachers, students, and parents.
7. Collaborate and cooperate with other professionals and professional organizations in order to remain current and abreast of new trends and research in education.
8. Draw from the rich tradition of Catholic thought to influence the graduate’s teaching practice.

Curriculum

The lived philosophy of the program is manifested concretely in both the curriculum and the experiences provided for the candidates. Implementing the theories and models of Ralph W. Tyler and Hilda Taba, and, more recently, the work of Jay McTighe and Grant Wiggins on Backward Design, a carefully planned and effectively organized curriculum along with an accompanying set of experiences is delivered to the candidates.

The curriculum offers candidates a substantial knowledge base grounded in sound and proven educational theory and practice, including the effective use of media and technology. Not only are the candidates trained in the basic concepts and skills necessary for teaching, but they are also trained in the varied methods of communication that will enable them to effectively teach those concepts and skills to others even as they further internalize that knowledge base themselves. Through this integration of concepts and skills in the medium of effective communication, the candidate becomes an educator.

Contact

School of Education 
Aquinas College
4210 Harding Pike
Nashville, TN 37205
(615) 297-7545 x422
moorel@aquinascollege.edu