University of Evansville : Title

II. Our Conceptual Framework

and INTASC Principles

All accredited teacher education programs are founded in what we call a “conceptual framework.” These frameworks provide the foundational basis for the courses you take, the field experiences you will have, the assignments you will complete, the standards and competencies you have to meet, and in general, how you will become an effective teacher. Our goal here at the University of Evansville is to prepare the finest teachers for our nation’s children – teachers who are extremely effective with all children. Therefore, the conceptual framework relies heavily on research – sound research in the areas of child development, cognition and learning, learning in different cultures, teaching special needs children, and professional responsibilities and leadership. Our conceptual framework, therefore, is nearly always being revised to reflect new findings and new research.

Philosophically, our conceptual framework is founded upon the idea that teaching is a moral act – it is moral in the largest sense because teachers have a profound influence on our culture and our way of life. In a smaller but no less important sense, it is moral because teachers have a lasting impact on the well-being and growth of individual human beings. Indeed, it is because teaching is a moral act that the University of Evansville is deeply committed to preparing new teachers who believe all students can learn and are skilled in teaching all students. The programs, therefore, are grounded in research that tells us that the most effective way to help young people develop teaching skills is to provide them with a combination of rich on-campus coursework and diverse field experiences where skills can be learned and practiced.

The various skills and competencies you will be developing are imbedded in the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (INTASC) principles. These principles, when coupled with the University of Evansville Conceptual Framework, provide the foundation for everything you will do and learn along your path. The INTASC Principles are listed below:

INTASC Principles

Principle #1: The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and can create learning experiences that make these aspects of subject matter meaningful for students.

Principle #2: The teacher understands how children learn and develop, and can provide learning opportunities that support their intellectual, social and personal development.

Principle #3: The teacher understands how students differ in their approaches to learning and creates instructional opportunities that are adapted to diverse learners.

Principle #4: The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage students' development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills.

Principle #5: The teacher uses an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.

Principle #6: The teacher uses knowledge of effective verbal, nonverbal, and media communication techniques to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom.

Principle #7: The teacher plans instruction based upon knowledge of subject matter, students, the community, and curriculum goals.

Principle #8: The teacher understands and uses formal and informal assessment strategies to evaluate and ensure the continuous intellectual, social and physical development of the learner.

Principle #9: The teacher is a reflective practitioner who continually evaluates the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (students, parents, and other professionals in the learning community) and who actively seeks out opportunities to grow professionally.

Principle #10: The teacher fosters relationships with school colleagues, parents, and agencies in the larger community to support students' learning and well-being.