ED2204 - Introduction to Education

Competencies

1. Describe teaching and learning in various American education settings, including early childhood, elementary school, middle school, high school, special education, K-12 disciplines, English language learning, administration and other educational services.
2. Discuss the roles, responsibilities and daily experiences of teachers; understand laws related to student rights and teacher responsibilities, such as for educational equity, appropriate education for students with disabilities, confidentiality, privacy, appropriate treatment of students, data practices, and mandatory reporting requirements in situations of known or suspected abuse or neglect.
3. Identify significant historical developments in education, including laws, policies and practices that have and continue to create inequitable opportunities, experiences and outcomes for learners, especially for Indigenous students and students historically denied access, underserved or underrepresented on the basis of race, class, disability, religion, gender, sexual orientation, language, socioeconomic status, or country of origin.
4. Become aware of various philosophical foundations.
5. Explain significant contemporary issues in education. Self-assess dispositions related to effective teaching and develop personal goals for growth.
6. Participate in, observe and reflect upon a variety of educational settings.
7. Synthesize information from course readings with experience in educational settings.
8. Identify the resources, support and process involved in obtaining a teaching license for Minnesota.
9. Examine the research base for, and best practices of, early childhood education; explain developmentally appropriate practice.
10. Become aware of the influence of families, cultures, communities, equity and diversity within the context of educational settings.
11. Examine the historical, philosophical and social foundations of early childhood education and how these foundations influence current thought and practice.
12. Identify and review early childhood careers, job requirements and the career ladder.
13. Identify and compare different types of early childhood programs.
14. Examine county and state processes for licensing of home- and center-based programs.
15. Explore, discuss and practice the National Association for the Education of Young Children Code of Ethics.
16. Demonstrate continual growth in knowledge and skills of current and emerging technologies and apply them to improve personal productivity and professional practice; advocate, model and teach safe, legal, and ethical use of information and technology, including appropriate documentation of sources and respect for others in use of social media.
17. Seek professional, community and technological resources, within and outside the school, as supports for analysis, reflection and problem solving.
18. Understand multiple leadership models for teachers; know how to take on leadership roles at the school, district, state or national level; advocate for students, the school, the community and the profession.