(October 2006)

Vision Statement
The Citadel's Professional Education Unit

DEVELOPING PRINCIPLED EDUCATIONAL LEADERS FOR P-12 SCHOOLS

The Citadel's Professional Education Unit prepares principled educational leaders to be knowledgeable, reflective, and ethical professionals. Candidates completing our programs are committed to ensuring that all students succeed in a learner-centered environment.

Rationale:

• Now more than ever, our society is in need of principled educational professionals capable of and committed to ensuring that all children learn.
  
  
• Now more than ever, the quality of education available to our children and youth will make the difference between those who prosper in the new economy and those left behind.
  
  
• Now more than ever, it is time to accelerate our transformation of an educational system that is no longer relevant for the modern, global community.

In today's world, we must educate all children and at unprecedented high levels. As noted by Ted Hershberg and his colleagues at the University of Pennsylvania, "the evidence makes clear that the current structure of public education designed for a different purpose and different century cannot help all students become effective citizens or productive workers in the new economy."

The Citadel's Professional Education Unit is committed to the simultaneous transformation of the preparation of educational leaders and of the places where they work. Specifically, The Citadel's Professional Education Unit seeks to develop principled educational leaders who:

• have mastered their subject matter and are skilled in using it to foster student learning;
  
  
• know the self who educates (Parker J. Palmer) and integrate this self knowledge with content knowledge, knowledge of students, and in the context of becoming professional change agents committed to using this knowledge and skill to ensure that all students succeed in a learner-centered environment; and
  
  
• exemplify the highest ethical standards by modeling respect for all human beings and valuing diversity as an essential component of an effective learner-centered environment.
  

The Citadel's Professional Educational Unit is on the march, transforming itself into a Center of Excellence for the preparation of principled educational leaders. Through our initial programs for teacher candidates for P-12 schools and our advanced programs for professional educators in P-12 schools, The Citadel's Professional Education Unit transforms cadets and graduate students into principled educational leaders capable of and committed to transforming our schools into learning communities where all children and youth succeed.

The Citadel's Professional Education Unit has identified 17 performance indicators for candidates to demonstrate that they are principled educational leaders who are knowledgeable, reflective, and ethical professionals:

Knowledgeable Principled Educational Leaders…

1. know in-depth subject matter of their field of professional study and practice;
2. demonstrate and apply an understanding of developmental and learning theories;
3. model instructional and/or leadership theories of best practice;
4. utilize the knowledge gained from professional study to develop and implement
   an educational program that is varied, creative, and nurturing;
5. integrate the use of technology;
6. demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning.
   

Reflective Principled Educational Leaders…

7. develop and describe their philosophy of education and reflect upon its impact in
   the teaching and learning environment;
8. develop and manage meaningful educational experiences that address the needs
   of all learners with respect for their individual and cultural characteristics;
9. construct, foster, and maintain a learner-centered environment in which all
   learners contribute and are actively engaged;
10. apply their understanding of both context and research to plan, structure,
    facilitate, and monitor effective teaching and learning in the context of continual
    assessment;
11. research their practice by reflectively and critically asking questions and seeking
    answers.
    

Ethical Principled Educational Leaders…

12. apply reflective practices;
13. demonstrate commitment to a safe, supportive learning environment;
14. demonstrate high values and a caring, fair, honest, responsible, and respectful
    attitude;
15. establish rapport with students, families, colleagues, and community;
16. value diversity and exhibit sensitivity to and respect for cultures;
17. exhibit prompt regular attendance, wear professional attire, and communicate in
    standard English.