This commitment to the student found in a constructivist model demands that professional education students understand individual students. Educational professionals at all levels must recognize and value differences as they are manifested globally, regionally and locally. The increasing ethnic and racial diversity within our nation's classrooms present an important opportunity for the future. To be consistent with the Growth of the Professional Educator philosophy at Bridgewater State College, emerging professionals must themselves be engaged in the construction of understanding and apply the knowledge and skills essential to evaluate the needs of societal systems affecting the school population. They participate in shaping the future of their profession.
Effective teachers have a clear sense of identity and high levels of confidence.
The faculty at Bridgewater State College has built such components into the basic and advanced programs. The programs preparing teachers and other educational personnel at Bridgewater State College model and develop the constructivist philosophy. Faculty members help emerging professionals construct meaning from a body of specialized knowledge that they can then effectively translate into validated practice. Faculty members provide emerging professionals with direction for the design and delivery of instructional programs. As emerging professionals become knowledgeable about human development, they develop their ability to effectively utilize appropriate methodologies with diverse student populations.