About Us

Philosophy and Goals

The Educational Studies Program of Columbia College is an urban community of learners whose students, faculty, and staff reflect the racial, cultural and educational diversity of the urban society. Working collaboratively externally with our major external stakeholder, the P-12 school community, the Educational Studies Program's primary purpose is to prepare teachers who are creative leaders in the educational communities of which they become a part. We believe that teaching is a dynamic vocation which requires its practitioners to be grounded in current knowledge, steeped in pedagogical skills and imbued with a consciousness of self and others that allows them to confidently practice both the art and science of the profession.

Mission Statement

The mission statement of the Educational Studies Program is to prepare new teachers and further the professional development of current teachers in order that they may better understand the nature of teaching and learning thereby be able to not only participate in, but also provide leadership in the improvement of education. The primary goal of all of the department's programs is to create teachers who foster collaboration, critical thinking and reflection, consciousness of self and of and of cultural diversity. In particular, the Program has a commitment to support the ongoing development of teachers who are entrusted with the education of urban communities.
 
Testimonials

Click here for remarks from Jose Luis Gutierrez, MAT 2001, currently serving as Director of the Office of New Americans Policy and Advocacy for Illinois.

Click here for personal reflections from Maeve Kanaley, MAT 1998, National Certification and Kohl McCormick Early Childhood Teaching Awardee 2006.

Click here for an article about three graduates of the Columbia College Chicago M.A.T. (Master of Arts in Teaching) art education program in the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences' education department that will make history next year when they become the first officers of the National Art Education Association (NAEA) student chapter from the same college or university.

Watch Columbia MAT graduate, Elena Turczeniuk, Lead Teacher in Alcott School ’s innovative writing project! This energizing initiative motivates Chicago students to write letters and stories to send to international pen pals via the internet.