 Mission
National College of Education (NCE) is a professional community collaborating with students, teachers, administrators and others advocating for all learners. For over one hundred and twelve years NCE has had as its mission excellence in teaching, scholarship, service, and professional development. NCE continues its history of innovative leadership education in Chicago, the nation, and in other parts of the world. Recognizing the importance of life-long learning in a diverse, rapidly changing global society, the College is committed to developing and empowering all learners, consistent with the mission of National-Louis University.
Philosophy
Building on the progressive tradition of John Dewey and our founder Elizabeth Harrison, the National College of Education continues its historical commitment to student-centered education. Our research-based, best practice programs fuse theory and practice and engage students in critical reflection and inquiry.
Through our theme of advocation for all learners, NCE programs place students -both preschool through 12th grade students and NCE students - at the center of the educational process. Students actively construct meaning individually, cooperatively and collectively by integrating knowledge and experience within a community of learners.
Secondary Education Vision Statement
Our graduates will be skilled, reflective, and responsive teachers prepared for diverse and constantly changing academic environments.
Student Learning Outcomes
The following student outcomes are aligned with the NCE Conceptual Framework, the Illinois Professional Teaching Standards, and all relevant national standards:
- Teachers develop, practice, articulate, and maintain a philosophy of education based on critical self-reflection.
- Teachers apply their knowledge of how human development affects learning.
- Teachers differentiate instruction with respect to individual and cultural diversity.
- Teachers possess and demonstrate effective academic content knowledge and pedagogical skills.
- Teachers use assessment and research to guide planning, instruction, and modification of teaching practice.
- Teachers create and manage intellectually stimulating, inclusive, and safe learning environments in which students take risks and work independently and collaboratively.
- Teachers collaborate as partners with colleagues, parents, families, and the larger community to support student learning.
- Teachers exhibit professionalism, leadership, and ethical behavior.
- Teachers use current technology creatively and effectively to improve classroom instruction.
- Teachers continue their professional growth through a lifelong commitment to reflection and learning.
Constructivist Philosophy The Constructivist Philosophy has guided the program development,materials, and instructional methods. We want our students to examine learning and learners in a way that will inform instructional practices. As a result, we think that teachers who graduate from this program will want to change the way schooling is done and will exemplify the following characteristics of an ideal teacher candidate.
- The ideal teacher teaches children first, subject second. Planning reflects the belief that all students come to school with different strengths and areas for growth and improvement, and that all students, no matter what their performance, deserve to be challenged.
- The ideal teacher communicates the benefits of subject area to students’ lives. His or her students articulate the connections between their experiences in the classroom and the real world.
- The ideal teacher creates and maintains a sense of community in the classroom. Throughout the years the teacher builds in activities designed to foster student respect for each other, their environment,and themselves.
- The ideal teacher helps students set goals so that they, too, can experience the personal benefits of competence in the subject area. The teacher provides timely and relevant feedback to help students monitor their progress and take responsibility for their own learning. The teacher’s students always know their personal goals, their strengths, and their area for future growth.
- The ideal teacher is a creative problem solver. The teacher is prepared to employ a variety of teaching strategies to lead students to understanding. The teacher’s students develop approaches to researching and problem solving as well.
- The ideal teacher reflects on his or her own performance and is committed to professional growth in teaching as well as in the subjects taught. The teacher strives to produce quality work and models a love of learning. Students reflect regularly on their own progress, and articulate their responsibility in the learning process.
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