Welcome to the College of Education

The Master of Education in Teaching (MEdT) program is housed within the College of Education (COE), School of Teacher Education (STE). Our programs are designed to reflect the vision, mission, and conceptual framework of each institution. 

School of Teacher Education 

Mission: A’o aku, A’o mai, Teaching and Learning to inspire a bright, compassionate, and innovative society one educator at a time. “A’o aku, A’o mai” reflects our belief that there is an inherent reciprocity in the teaching and learning process. We teach, We learn. We learn, We teach. The processes are inseparable.

Vision: Ke Alaula o ka Naʻauao: A leading professional community of educators with kuleana to Hawaii and the world. "Ke Alaula o ka Naʻauao" to reflects our belief that as educators, we have the privilege of humbly and respectfully working with students and communities to create a more just and inclusive society. 

The College of Education Conceptual Framework 

A sense of purpose, a sense of place: Preparing knowledgeable, effective, and caring educators to contribute to a just, diverse, and democratic society—The College of Education envisions a community of educators who provide innovative research, teaching, and leadership in an effort to further the field of education and prepare professionals to contribute to a just, diverse, and democratic society. The College aims to enhance the well being of the Native Hawaiian people and others across the Pacific Basin through education.

Standards-Based Education and the College of Education Conceptual Framework:

Standards describe what teachers and students at all levels should know, be able to do, and care about. The College of Education Conceptual Framework requires teacher candidates (TCs) to be knowledgeable, effective, and caring.

Knowledgeable

The College of Education values inquiry and collaboration in the learning process. We ask critical questions and encourage others to do the same. We draw from and contribute to the knowledge bases of our disciplines, the needs of unique learners, research and development, curriculum, pedagogy, human development, assessment, and evaluation. COE educators must be prepared to respect and engage with the divergent perspectives, wide-ranging backgrounds, and distinct ways of knowing that characterize our learning communities.

Effective

The College of Education values active participation in school, community, university, and professional partnerships to enhance reflective practice. Building on a strong grounding in educational research and theory, we share our understandings, compare our experiences, and hone our skills to promote learning. Our aim is to provide, and to assist our candidates in learning to provide, quality and inclusive learning environments; deeply engaging and challenging learning opportunities; and the guidance and support that all learners need to develop intellectually, emotionally, socially, and physically. COE educators must be prepared to work effectively and responsively with a diversity of students, families, colleagues, and community members from Hawai‘i and around the world. That preparation includes the development of expertise with the full range of technological tools available to educators for teaching and learning.

Caring

College of Education educators care deeply about education and the lives they touch through their profession. The college seeks to help its members act in the best interests of their learning communities, advancing social justice and overcoming both discrimination and oppression, and working toward a sustainable world. The college requires a high level of professionalism demonstrated through ethical behavior, competence, reflection, fairness, respect for diversity, and a commitment to inclusion and social responsibility. We build relationships to nurture safe and positive learning communities in the belief that all individuals can learn.

For the entire summary of the college of education mission and vision go to: https://coe.hawaii.edu/welcome/mission/