The College of Education and Human Services at the University of North Florida is committed to the preparation of classroom teachers, counselors and educational leaders who support quality education in their learning communities.  At the core of this vision are the shared beliefs that professional preparation should include these key components: a broad-based theoretical foundation for content, pedagogical and professional knowledge; a systematic and focused continuum of classroom and field experiences for linking knowledge and skills to practice; and a philosophical foundation that supports the development and application of the dispositions appropriate to the profession in all stages of preparation.

            The College depicts these three key components of its work in its logo, which is a modification of the compass rose. The compass rose has a long history as a direction finding devise for mariners. The original graphic symbol and the seal for the University of North Florida combine the compass rose and the circle to symbolize the University’s role in providing direction and the community that the University serves. For the College of Education and Human Services, the three elements of the compass rose represent the knowledge, skills, and dispositions essential to effective professional practice. The circle represents the context–the urban city and the Northeast Florida area--in which we do our work.

            The faculty of the College are active leaders and responsive partners in the study and enhancement of teaching and learning.  We are dedicated to create and maintain an environment that holds both faculty and students accountable to standards of morality and justice in their personal and professional lives. The warrants for the vision of the College are based on state statute, university vision, and ethical responsibility.  Our vision is coherent with the guiding principles for Florida’s new system for education governance:  (a) a coordinated, seamless system for kindergarten through graduate school education, (b) a system that is student-centered in every facet, (c) a system that maximizes education access and provides the opportunity for a high-quality education for all Floridians, (d) a system that safeguards equity and supports academic excellence, and (e) a system that provides for local operational flexibility while promoting accountability for student achievement and improvement. Our vision is also consistent with that of the University of North Florida to improve the quality of life for citizens of northeast Florida.  Finally, our vision reflects our ethical responsibility as educators to assist in the provision of high quality education for all children.

Vision

            The vision of the College of Education and Human Services is to be active leaders and responsive partners in the study and enhancement of teaching and learning within diverse learning communities. Within our learning community, we engage with each other and our students as professional partners. 

Mission

·          Since its founding, the College of Education and Human Services has defined its mission as the preparation and support of educators who are competent and contributing professionals for diverse learning communities in northeast Florida.  The faculty are engaged as active leaders and responsive partners in the study and improvement of teaching and learning within a pluralistic society.  We are committed to developing life-long learners who contribute to their communities and succeed in a changing world. Our mission is to engage with our students and professional partners in experiences that promote the following:        Development and demonstration of ethical and professional dispositions of candidates;

·          Active reflection on professional practice;

·          Educators who value diversity and advocate for the success of all P-20 students within diverse learning communities;

·          Professional growth of pre-service and experienced educators and other helping professionals;

·          Rigorous, standards-based academic programs that model and apply innovative and enduring ideas about teaching and learning;

·          Scholarship that advances the professional knowledge base; and

·          Quality service to the University, P-12 schools, the profession, and the community.