A University-Wide Approach to Teacher Education: School of Education Autonomy Abjured.

Overview & Synopsis

The University of Texas at Dallas's teacher education program involves a university-wide approach. Unlike most other universities, there is no formal college or school of education at Dallas. Instead, faculty with the appropriate education and experience hold appointments in the academic disciplines and teach courses in professional education and in the discipline as well. These same teachers also engage in education-related activities such as serving on the University Council on Teacher Education and supervising student teachers. In this particular setting, the University Council on Teacher Education becomes the group that reviews and recommends policy and procedures. Using the Dallas model in particular, various strengths and limitations of the university-wide approach to teacher education are discussed. Also given considerable attention is governance and the idea of a knowledge base for teaching. It is concluded that it is crucial that educators are thoughtful, attentive, and committed to developing the knowledge base and that it is crucial to transmit effectively that knowledge and skill to improve teaching and learning. (JM)