The vision for preparation of professional educators at Florida A&M University involves teacher preparation as the responsibility of a seamless entity that consists of the teacher certification programs in the College of Education and the College of Arts and Sciences, with support from the School of General Studies. The holistic construct will result in a fully- engaged program dedicated to the transformation of public education through the preparation of educators through coursework, clinical experiences in P-12 settings, research, and professional development.

The new construct will incorporate revised curricula in which courses and other teaching and learning experiences are aligned with professional standards. A systemic assessment process will provide feedback from all areas of the program and from all stakeholders that will support effective, focused program modifications. A "Teaching Learning Institute" will support collaboration among faculty from the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Education, and the School of General Studies, school-based professionals, faculty from other areas of the university, and pre-service teachers through professional development, training, and research opportunities.

Students who declare majors in teacher education will receive academic, social, and professional support utilizing a systematic set of appropriate processes through graduation and the induction process, into their professional careers. Their effectiveness as professional educators will be assessed through the analysis of their students' learning outcomes. The Teaching Learning Institute of the TNE Project will provide professional support for the graduates' application process for National Board Teacher Certification as well as support for other in-service teachers.

Teachers for a New Era Principles

Design Principle A:

Decisions Driven by Evidence

Drawing upon research The role of pupil learning

Design Principle B:

Engagement with the Arts & Sciences

Subject matter understanding General and liberal education

Design Principle C:

Teaching as an Academically Taught Clinical Practice Profession

Pedagogy Schools as clinics Teachers on faculty appointment Residency (induction) Preparation of candidates for professional growth

Issues to be Addressed Jointly by Faculties in Education and Arts & Sciences:

Pedagogical content knowledge Literacy/numeracy skills Elementary and middle school education Technology Cultural consideration in teaching and learning Recruitment of under-represented groups into teaching Late deciders in an undergraduate program

To increase the production of effective teachers and to improve instruction for P-12 students in ways that impact student learning as demonstrated by standardized test results and students' commitment to life-long learning.