The curriculum and practice of the current career center and technical teacher education program at WMU is conducted and is based on the following beliefs. Education for employability, broadly conceived and for the long term, and as generally and specifically provided through career and technical education, is in the purview of public education at the secondary, post-secondary and adult levels.
Pedagogy is important to the preparation of career and technical education teachers.
The design for career and technical teacher education programs must be intellectually well-grounded, including strong components in subject matter content, liberal studies, pedagogy, and clinical experiences. Teaching in career and technical teacher education, should be student-centered, but relevant to the changing nature of work, changes in the workplace, new and emerging technology, and the needs of the employment community. Learning to teach is viewed as a long-term, developmental process. Teaching and learning to teach should be done within the context of inquiry. Teacher education in career and technical education should be conducted in collaboration with area technical centers, public schools, and community colleges.