Throughout their experiences in the UM College of Education, it is anticipated that students will recognize the central intent of the teacher preparation program. The practice of professional education is based on tested theories and practices and the College Conceptual Framework reflects the most significant aspects of both. The faculty of the College feels that the following Conceptual Framework Statement gives the teacher education program conceptual integrity and the student a sense of program purpose. The central theme of the Teacher Education Program at the University of Montevallo is Teacher as Developing Professional. Teachers are professionals.
Professional educators share a body of knowledge and tested practices.
They are prepared to act on that knowledge in the contexts of the classroom. They continue to search for more effective practices by consuming and adding to available research on teaching and learning. They accept the strong relationship between the quality of their decisions and their professional effectiveness. The essence of professionalism is decision making. Teachers apply knowledge and skill to a variety of classroom situations, allowing contextual variables to guide appropriately their decision.