School of Education

Message From the Dean

I welcome you to the Clark Atlanta University Web site and thank you for your interest in our educator preparation programs.

We offer a range of programs that prepare our teacher candidates to be leaders and change agents in early childhood education in public and private schools. Our graduate programs prepare our candidates for teaching in secondary education (mathematics and science), for leadership in school administration, school counseling, and working with exceptional students.

Our programs focus not only on the needs and interests of the individual but also on specific needs of the school districts from which the candidates come. We are also aware of the nature and needs of "career building" and are committed to providing educational services that are grounded in relevant practices. Faculty prepare an action-oriented, problem-solving curriculum with content and materials designed to produce change agents, particularly for an urban setting.

The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), the national accreditation body, and the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (PSC), the accreditation and teacher certification agency of the state, recognize and approve our programs at both the initial and advanced levels.

Thank you again for visiting our Web site, and as you are taking a virtual tour of the School of Education and its many programs, be assured that our talented faculty, staff, students, and alumni would be happy to have you join us in improving the present and preempting tomorrow's problems.

Trevor Turner, Interim Dean
School of Education

When Clark Atlanta University was created on July 1, 1988, by the consolidation of Atlanta University and Clark College, the teacher education programs of the two institutions became a single unit. As a result, the advanced level programs offered by Atlanta University and the basic programs offered by Clark College were combined and adjusted to offer teacher education programs at both the graduate and undergraduate levels of study.

The School of Education at Clark Atlanta University inherits the historical missions and achievements of its parent institutions. Their parallel development and many contributions have established an enviable track record. The creation of structured, organizational units provided the autonomy and flexibility for the development of degree programs and rapid adjustment of courses and programs to meet changing social and educational needs. Over the years, the School has maintained a positive impact on public schools by moving innovatively to meet their shifting needs.

Philosophy

The faculty believes that every learner has a right to an education that prepares him or her for full participation in our society. We believe that urban education provides a unique context for integrating and mobilizing the rich cultural community resources that urban learners bring to the school setting. We further believe that change agentry is critical to the efficacy of urban education.

Mission Statement

The mission of the School of Education at Clark Atlanta University is the preparation of graduates who are competent, autonomous professionals with knowledge of and sensitivity to the needs of African-American learners as well as other groups to whom educational equity has been denied.

The development of scholars, change agents, leaders and mentors who are committed to this concept is pivotal to achieving the School's mission. As a major component of this mission, the School will conduct research in order to generate and disseminate knowledge on issues of educational equity for learners in general and African-American learners in particular.

The School of Education will serve the larger community by providing educational resources, technical assistance, professional expertise and special experiences with an emphasis on service to African Americans, members of other historically excluded groups, and developing nations.

Vision

The School of Education at Clark Atlanta University intends by the end of this century to be a leading national institution for the preparation of teachers, administrators, and school service personnel for urban schools and beyond. It also intends to be a premier institution for the study of issues related to the education of African Americans and other historically excluded groups.

Goals and Objectives

To ensure that all programs meet standards of professional excellence at all levels in accordance with the tenets of the Conceptual Framework and national accrediting organizations.

To serve as a change agent and proponent of change agentry to improve the human condition with a focus on the advancement of educational services; to develop emerging theories to support change agentry principles and processes; to further scholarship and leadership in the local, regional, national and international communities.

To develop qualified and effective teachers, school counselors, educational leaders, media specialists and school social workers competent in a systemic approach to change agentry that fosters knowledge of urban education, and critical thinking.

To institutionalize technology in research, program implementation, and program development where technology is computer-systems driven and theory-process developed, demonstrating best practices in education.

To create and pursue an active research agenda with particular emphasis on African Americans and other cultural minorities.

To attract, retain and support qualified candidates, faculty and staff; to create effective partnerships with community organizations, schools, agencies and communities; and to ensure utilization of the concept of service learning as an integral component of development.