As leaders, they need to anticipate and plan for the future, construct and apply a coherent, integrated understanding of teaching and learning, engage in collaborative problem-solving and critical inquiry, strive to enable students to reach their potential, and continually assess and improve their practice for the benefit of all of their students. As role models, they communicate and demonstrate the joy of learning, interact with children and youth in a caring and thoughtful manner, and demonstrate an understanding of and respect for the uniqueness of each individual and their impact on the community. Instruction is the process and unifying thread and theme around which the PTPP at the University of Kansas is conceptualized. While competence in such things as content, human growth and development, health, curriculum, assessment, psychology, and cognitive science also are assumed to be essential components in the preparation of competent teachers, the TED places knowledge about and skill in the science and art of teaching as the core around which the PTPP is conceptualized, organized, delivered, evaluated and continuously improved. The PTPP pursues teaching excellence and prepares prospective teachers who are capable of serving as instructional leaders in their schools and community.
Several principles form the foundation of the program.
Student Principles Students are the focal point of teaching and learning. Students represent the focal point of teaching and learning, be they students in our program or those in the schools. Student assessment is systematic, multi-focal, and used to enhance development. Teaching Principles Teaching is a profession . The PTPP has an intended goal of initiating our students into a community of professionals that can be recognized by standards of practice and beliefs.