University of Northwestern – St. Paul Mission Statement

The University of Northwestern exists to provide Christ-centered higher education equipping students to grow intellectually and spiritually, to serve effectively in their professions and to give God-honoring leadership in the home, church, community and world.

School of Education Mission Statement

The School of Education exists to prepare educators for transformative service through Christ-centered programs. Candidates are equipped with the professional knowledge, skills and dispositions to enable them to provide effective and compassionate professional practice and God-honoring leadership within the diverse communities they serve. Through its programs, the School of Education prepares caring and committed educational professionals equipped to serve within public, private or global educational settings.

The School of Education (SOE) supports the mission of the University through its preparation of professional educators for service within public and private schools. As defined in its mission statement and Conceptual Framework, it seeks to prepare compassionate educators for transformative service who provide competent professional practice and God-honoring leadership within the diverse communities they serve.  The following themes are woven throughout the teacher preparation programs and progress from early awareness and recognition to application and proficiency. Structure for their development is provided through the School of Education’s Conceptual Framework, program outcomes, courses and field experiences.

• Biblically-based Christian Worldview
• Christian Character/Professional Dispositions
• Scholarship
• Learner Centered Practice
• Critical Reflection and Inquiry
• Culturally Responsive Practice
• Collaboration with Families and Professional Communities
• Ethical Decision Making
• Servant Leadership
• Teaching as an Inspired Calling

The School of Education supports the mission of the University through its many contributions to the intellectual, spiritual and leadership growth of its students and faculty. These are discussed in greater detail within the Conceptual Framework.

Program Approval

Teacher education programs at the University of Northwestern – St. Paul are approved by the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) and lead to a recommendation for licensure within the state of Minnesota.