Teacher Education

The DEI vision for Kansas Wesleyan is to promote a diverse culture of equity, inclusion, integrity, and collaboration that deepens understanding and embraces intercultural and global experiences for students, faculty and staff.

Teacher Education Department
The Teacher Education Department is committed to the preparation of future elementary and secondary teachers who embody the philosophical foundations of reflective Practitioners. This philosophy embraces the ideals of respecting diversities, and providing for equity and inclusion in all educational settings. Reflective practitioners believe in celebrating all diversities and that represents students from all races, ethnicities, socioeconomic status, gender, religious affiliations, physical and mental challenges, learning styles and abilities. Equity and inclusion in the classroom is paramount to student success and is an integral component of every reflective practitioner’s philosophy of teaching. Through student centered classrooms, the reflective practitioner provides opportunities for the success of all students linking the guiding principles of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Updated September 2023

Click here for a directory of KWU’s Teacher Education staff members.

Students have an opportunity to interact closely with faculty in the department. This occurs not only within the college classroom and across campus, but also in the community.  Students experience hands-on activities that provide authentic preparation for teaching through projects, collaboration and work in schools.

Early field experiences in the Salina School District and surrounding areas provide a variety of classroom participation opportunities, which prepare the students for the challenges of an ever-changing profession.

A career in education allows an individual to make a significant difference in the lives of young people. Nothing can match the incredible satisfaction of seeing a student grasp a concept. The profession of teaching allows for collaboration with other individuals who are dedicated to teaching and learning.

Individuals who are successful in teaching exhibit qualities of caring, fairness, honesty and responsibility. They also possess a strong knowledge base in their content area. Successful teachers are reflective and lifelong learners. Teaching is an adventure of working with students and colleagues to meet the challenges and joys of the profession.

A degree in Teacher Education from Kansas Wesleyan University doesn’t mean your only career opportunities will be within a school. There are a variety of careers that our graduates have gone on to experience, both in and out of the typical school setting such as: Administrator, Classroom Teacher, Consultant, Corporate Education Director, Day Care Worker, Educational Lobbyist, Educational Researcher, National or State Education Director, Peace Corps, Preschool/Childcare Center Director, Principal, Professor, School Counselor, School Librarian and Special Education Teacher.

The mission of the Kansas Wesleyan University’s Teacher Education Department is that a liberal arts education coupled with an academic major and professional training will produce effective K-12 teachers. The Conceptual Framework of the Unit states: “Kansas Wesleyan University prepares reflective teachers with sound personal qualities, who have a commitment to education and life-long learning, demonstrate world citizenship and are committed to faith.”

Students who complete a Bachelor of Arts in Teacher Education will be able to:

• Demonstrate depth and breadth of knowledge and interdisciplinary connections inherent in the level and content area studied.
• Apply state and national standards, research-verified best practices, critical thinking, clear and thoughtful communication, creative expression, and honest open inquiry in designing, implementing, differentiating, assessing, and reflecting on effective pedagogy.
• Demonstrate professional dispositions in varied educational settings with regard to a diversity of students and all members of the school community.
• Foster an engaging classroom environment.
• Demonstrate their teaching skills effectively to complete a successful clinical practice.  

Philosophy

It is the philosophy of the Teacher Education Program that a liberal arts education and professional training will produce a teacher candidate who has academic and professional excellence, a strong sense of spiritual and personal well-being, social responsibility, and the skills to be a reflective teacher with the potential for educational leadership.

Mission

The mission of the Kansas Wesleyan University’s Teacher Education Department is that a liberal arts education coupled with an academic major and professional training will produce effective K-12 teachers. The Conceptual Framework of the Unit states: “Kansas Wesleyan University prepares reflective teachers with sound personal qualities, who have a commitment to education and life-long learning, demonstrate world citizenship and are committed to faith.”

Commitment

The Teacher Education program is committed to the selection and preparation of future elementary, secondary and special education teachers who reflect in a positive manner the essence of the mission statement of the University; academic and professional excellence, spiritual development, personal well-being and social responsibility.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Statement

The Teacher Education Department is committed to the preparation of future elementary and secondary teachers who embody the philosophical foundations of reflective practitioners. This philosophy embraces the ideals of respecting diversities, and providing for equity and inclusion in all educational settings. Reflective practitioners believe in celebrating all diversities and that represents students from all races, ethnicities, socioeconomic status, gender, religious affiliations, physical and mental challenges, learning styles and abilities. Equity and inclusion in the classroom is paramount to student success and is an integral component of every reflective practitioner’s philosophy of teaching. Through student centered classrooms, the reflective practitioner provides opportunities for the success of all students linking the guiding principles of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Kansas Wesleyan University’s Teacher Education Program is accredited by the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE).

Accreditation information is available at this link.

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Teacher Education Program Handbook

Teacher Education Clinical Practice Handbook

Early Field Experience Handbook

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