About the School...

Mission

The major mission of the School of Education is the provision of pre-service teacher education to meet the multicultural educational demands of the island’s educational system as well as providing for the region as a whole. The emerging challenges brought about by social, economic, and political changes within the region have created a need to expand the School’s ability to deliver appropriate instruction and related educational services. Thus, an integral part of the School’s mission is becoming the academic, research, and service resource center for Guam and the greater Micronesian areas.

The School of Education provides initial preparation and continuing education opportunities to aspiring teachers, and other professional personnel engaged in educational activities on Guam, the Western Pacific region and the U.S. mainland. These purposes are accomplished primarily through classroom instruction and related practicum activities monitored and coordinated by the teaching faculty.

School requirements presently meet teacher certification requirements for Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Marinas Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau and many U.S states. Students are responsible for becoming familiar with certification requirements of the geographic eras in which they plan to seek employment. Students need to be aware that school system change certification requirements and that it is the students’ responsibility to be aware of changing standards for certification.

Programs to prepare candidates for teacher certification in elementary, secondary, second language elementary, special education and early childhood education provided by the University of Guam School of Education are accepted by the Guam Board of Education.

Accreditation

School of Education is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

Philosophy

Micronesia is a region of proud histories and rich cultural traditions. The educators of our many peoples must celebrate and perpetuate the heritage of our islands and teach our children to celebrate our diversity. Our educators also face the daunting task of preparing our children to prosper in an increasingly competitive world economy.

The School of Education is deeply rooted in the traditions and successes of Guam and those of our neighboring island nations. Our goal is to develop educators who will teach our multicultural society multiculturally. Our graduates, as teachers, must also sponsor the educational improvements that will allow our children to compete in an expanding society and changing world. We believe that this is best accomplished through the development of highly competent, autonomous educators who have positive attitudes about our cultures and our children and who understand and embrace the distinct professional and social responsibilities of Micronesian education. We will continue to foster a system of education that is highly rigorous.