Teaching is art, craft, and profession rolled into one. Lawrence's liberal arts approach to teacher education is more than teacher training. We prepare educators to ask "why" and not simply "what" or "how"; to turn a critical eye to the world they and their students inhabit; and to solve new problems and challenges as they arise. We believe the most effective teachers master their subject areas, understand how their subjects relate to other fields of knowledge, and commit themselves to a lifetime of learning. They also articulate a philosophy of education that guides their decision-making, use the best pedagogical knowledge and techniques available, and think critically about their own practice.
In Lawrence's teacher education program, students:
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acquire a broad education in the arts, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences (that is, in the liberal arts);
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achieve intellectual depth by majoring in the subject they intend to teach; and
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gain expertise in educational theory and practice through coursework and practical experience in classroom settings.
Our program prepares Lawrence graduates to teach in diverse settings, to connect their subject matter with broader human concerns, and to help their students find meaning and purpose in their lives.
