University of St. Thomas FACTS
School of Education FACTS
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The University of St. Thomas is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. All education programs offered for licensure are approved by the Minnesota Board of Teaching.

The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.


 
 


 
 
 

The School of Education (SOE) - FACTS

Mission Statement

The School of Education of the University of St. Thomas is committed to developing knowledgeable, collaborative, ethical, reflective practitioners as transformative leaders guided by a commitment to social justice, diversity, and the promotion of democratic learning communities.

The SOE consists of five academic departments with a total of 40 fulltime faculty led and supported by the dean and two associate deans, a central administrative staff and a cadre of approximately 95 adjunct faculty who complement the resources of the resident fulltime faculty.  Courses for initial and advanced licensure and degree programs are offered on the university’s campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Degree and graduate certificate programs of study also are offered at various sites in the region and administered via the Outreach program of the School. Graduate Continuing  Education for Professional Educators is a component of The University of St. Thomas-SOE Outreach and is responsible for providing non-traditional graduate education opportunities designed to meet the critical career development needs of professional educators.

 Off-Campus Sites

In the mid 1970s, the SOE pioneered the concept of offering degree and certificate programs off-site.  These advanced programs were offered in conjunction with area cooperating school districts to better meet the needs of educators for advanced professional preparation.  Since that time, several other Minnesota schools of education have followed our lead.  The SOE has no branch campuses; however, courses and components of programs and complete programs are offered off-site to graduate students using a cohort format.

 Licensure programs, initial and advanced

The SOE offers initial and advanced licensure programs, advanced non-licensure programs for education professionals, and a non-school program that focuses on human resource development and organization development. All University of St. Thomas undergraduate initial licensure candidates must complete a major in a cognate field as well as a major in Education which is in harmony with the expectations for “highly qualified teachers” mandated by the No Child Left Behind federal legislation as well as Minnesota Board Of Teaching guidelines.

 Memberships in professional organizations

The SOE is an active member of the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education, and the Minnesota Association of Colleges of Teacher Education and the School also has held membership in the Minnesota Rural Education Association.

 Diversity

A SOE diversity institute was founded in 2003.

 Social Justice

In fall, 2004 the SOE began a multiyear theme program called “Closing the Achievement Gap: A matter of social justice.”

 Charter School Sponsorship

In 2000, the university committed to sponsor charter schools in the Twin Cities area.