A conceptual framework is a visual representation of interrelated components or objectives. In education, it represents the core foundational elements of our programs and our philosophy. It is both current and aspirational. The SCSU framework, “Preparing Transformative, Liberatory Education Professionals”, depicts an education ecosystem of interrelated and interdependent elements. We see education as an ecosystem. When one part of the ecosystem struggles, we all struggle. When one part excels, we all move forward. Our conceptual framework represents this interdependence and depicts the collaborative nature of our work.
The red ring (SCSU Education Programs) depicts our commitment to our students. As teacher educators, we believe that teacher candidates deserve to experience a program that embodies these objectives:
The gray ring (Developing Education Professionals) depicts our aspirations for our candidates. We are developing future educators who will be:
The blue-gray ring (Engaging P-12 Learners) represents the P-12 learner outcomes these new teachers will facilitate. We are confident that our candidates will enable their students to:
The rings continue to be intertwined, as the P-12 learners become future teacher candidates, and the cycle repeats.