About the Department
The Reading and Teacher Preparation Department’s mission is to provide high-quality, authentic, and contextualized learning experiences for students. Our reading courses will develop critical readers of text who use the thinking processes required to successfully meet literacy tasks across all disciplines. Knowing the text-based challenges awaiting students in college and the workplace, our courses provide a rigorous and research-based curriculum. In addition, our teacher preparation program will develop students who demonstrate professional knowledge and interdisciplinary subject-matter expertise. Teacher candidates will be prepared to utilize evidence-based practices, including equitable and inclusive teaching practices to serve in diverse communities, and to develop a strong sense of agency to serve as advocates for students.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA) Statement.
The Reading and Teacher Preparation department is committed to honoring diverse perspectives, identities, abilities, and experiences. We accomplish this by utilizing relevant pedagogy and active engagement, building supportive relationships, cultivating courageous classroom spaces, and promoting critical thinking so that our courses meet the diverse learning goals of our students. This means that students will: 1) gain independence, 2) develop a sense of belonging, 3) take ownership of their learning, and 4) foster appreciation for one another. We affirm that DEIA is central to a learning experience that rejects every form of prejudice and discrimination in the pursuit of justice.
