Teacher Education Program Conceptual Framework

The Conceptual Framework and mission of the TEP at Saint Anselm College is directly aligned to and consistent with the mission of the College. Our framework draws on theory and research as well as state and professional standards to guide our practice. The following values and key concepts inform and frame learning outcomes and are the foundation of our program. 
 

Catholic Liberal Arts Foundation

  • Skills and ability to engage in lifelong learning
  • Academic rigor
  • Effective interpersonal and communication skills
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Call to serve the common good

Saint Anselm is a liberal arts college that “promotes an educational experience in which individuals are rooted in thinking rigorously, acting rightly, and serving humanity in a community that fosters the love of learning, educates the whole person and promotes the common good” (Saint Anselm College Online Catalogue 2019-2020). The TEP relies and draws upon the skills students learn in their liberal arts core as the foundation of preparation for the profession. Teachers need to be critical thinkers “demonstrated by an understanding of how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical and creative thinking and collaborative problem-solving related to authentic local and global issues” (New Hampshire Institutes of Higher Education Network, 2016, p.6).
 

Content Knowledge

  • Disciplinary content expertise
  • Evolution of education content expertise
  • Methods of inquiry

Educators need to understand the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the content they teach to create learning experiences that make these aspects of the discipline accessible and meaningful for all learners to assure students’ mastery of content.
 

Pedagogical Knowledge

  • Grounded in theory and research
  • Connection of theory to practice
  • Clinical experiences that occur early, often, and are diverse

The Saint Anselm College coursework and clinical practice emphasize a range of pedagogical practices to help ready students to teach effectively in a variety of contexts, such as urban and suburban schools, including Catholic, elementary and secondary schools.
 

Student-Centered Learning

  • Commitment to diverse body of students
  • Culturally responsive and sustaining pedagogies
  • Developmentally appropriate instruction
  • Knowledge of learners

The TEP prepares educators to advocate for and support equitable outcomes for diverse learners. Course and clinical requirements emphasize developing inclusive environments that meet the instructional, cultural, linguistic, and social/emotional needs of all learners.
 

Community Member

  • Collegial
  • Professional
  • Receptive to feedback and reflective in practice

Educators need to demonstrate ethical and professional behavior in their interactions with students, families, colleagues, and communities.