About the College of Education
The College of Education, as a professional school, promotes reflection, critical thinking, and excellence in teaching through interdisciplinary studies in an inclusive learning community. Its graduates are well educated persons who view themselves as lifelong learners and who are prepared to practice in an ever changing, multicultural world. Graduates assume service and leadership roles in educational programs and institutions, health and social institutions, and public and private settings. The College establishes and maintains productive partnerships with community schools and agencies. The faculty is committed to excellence in teaching, scholarship and collaboration with the community and professions.
The College of Education
The College of Education is composed of the departments of Deaf Studies, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, Educational Psychology and Counseling, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, and Special Education, and offers 27 credential programs. All programs are accredited.
Vision Statement
The Faculty vision for the College is that of a dynamic organization vital to the growth and development of Southern California, particularly the greater San Fernando Valley. In addition, the College shall be nationally and internationally recognized as being at the forefront of efforts to shape and improve teaching and learning. College students and faculty will reflect the diversity of the local community, be well-prepared to meet their professional responsibilities, experience pride and satisfaction in their accomplishments, and commit themselves to life-long learning.
Mission
The primary mission of the College of Education is to prepare teachers, counselors, administrators, and other professionals to serve the diverse educational needs of the region.
To fulfill this mission, faculty:
- design, deliver, and continually improve highly effective programs for pre-professionals through advanced graduate and professional levels;
- promote and are influenced by the reciprocal relationship between scholarship and practice;
- collaborate with colleagues across the campus and in other professional and community settings as partners in the mission; and
- provide leadership in teaching, learning, assessment, and professional development for diverse community within and outside the University.
In all of these endeavors, creativity and excellence of practice is rewarded, the potential of all learners is recognized, and critical inquiry and reflection are valued.
Conceptual Framework
The College of Education, as a professional school, promotes reflection, critical thinking, and excellence in teaching through interdisciplinary studies in an inclusive learning community. Its graduates are well educated persons who view themselves as lifelong learners and who are prepared to practice in an ever changing, multicultural world. Graduates assume service and leadership roles in educational programs and institutions, health and social institutions, and public and private settings. The College establishes and maintains productive partnerships with community schools and agencies. The faculty is committed to excellence in teaching, scholarship and collaboration with the community and professions. See details of the conceptual framework.
The University
California State University, Northridge, one of the largest of the 23 campuses of The California State University system, is located twenty-five miles northwest of central Los Angeles in the San Fernando Valley, a suburb with a multi-ethnic population of over one million people. The university enrolls approximately 28,000 students (20,500 FTEs) of which one-half are ethnic minorities, supported by approximately 4,000 faculty and staff. Eight Colleges offer baccalaureate degrees in 51 disciplines, master's degrees in 44 fields, and 27 credentials in the field of education.
