The teacher education programs at Marist College are designed to develop candidates who are reflective professionals. The program of study integrates a strong critical perspective and liberal arts foundation with research-validated pedagogical knowledge. As members of a community of learners, candidates are expected to master the personal and professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to teach and assess K-12 students within the full range of abilities, to evaluate and improve teaching, to develop creative standards-based curricula, and to contribute as effective teachers and leaders in their schools and communities. The roles of research and technology and the importance of critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and multicultural and global perspectives are emphasized.

The Master of Science in Education program reflects the particular areas of focus for which Marist College teacher education is widely noted, and is defined by our Conceptual Framework.

The Conceptual Framework of the Teacher Education programs identifies its purpose as preparing innovative, inclusive educators who promote success and the social good, and is also consistent with Marist's three ideals: excellence in education; sense of community; and commitment to service. This purpose is further defined in the seven core values/beliefs listed below:

Excellence in Education

In keeping with Marist's commitment to service and promoting the dignity and value of every human being, the program strives to prepare school professionals who:

• Foundational Knowledge: Will develop knowledge related to learners, educational contexts, and evidence-based practices essential for effective and equitable teaching.

• Pedagogical Practice: Will develop skills for constructing purposeful learning experiences.

• Assessment: Will be prepared to collect and analyze data and use multiple assessment strategies and tools to enhance student achievement.

• Inclusive Teaching: Will be change agents who promote access, equity, and justice for all students while working to improve schools.

• Professional Responsibility: Will be equipped with skills to operate as collaborative professionals who continually examine and improve their practice. 

Sense of Community

In keeping with Marist's commitment to a sense of community, the program strives to prepare school professionals who:

• Are active members of collaborative teams, and work across disciplines.
• Build relationships that support student learning and well-being.

Commitment to Service

In keeping with Marist's commitment to service and promoting the dignity and value of every human being, the program strives to prepare school professionals who:

• Promote justice, equity, and access for all students while working to improve schools.
• Base their practice on an understanding of the diversity in human development and cognitive functioning as it impacts learning.

Marist Education Department Goals

Goal 1: Foundational Knowledge: Develop candidates’ knowledge related to content, learning, and human development essential for effective and equitable teaching

Goal 2: Pedagogical Practice: Prepare candidates with skills for constructing purposeful learning experiences

Goal 3: Assessment: Prepare candidates to collect and analyze data and use multiple assessment strategies and tools to enhance student achievement and social, emotional, physical, cultural, and cognitive growth

Goal 4: Inclusive Teaching: Prepare change agents who promote access, equity, and justice for all students while working to improve schools

Goal 5: Professional Responsibility: Equip professionals with skills to continually examine and improve their practice