School of Education Handbook
Education is crucial to the development of human capacity. We at the School of Education at the University of Michigan create the resources for improving education through studies of learning and teaching, development of materials, tools, and methods, and the examination of people, educational programs, and contexts and their interactions. Our agenda is built on a tradition that spans more than 125 years of educational excellence, pioneering research, dedicated outreach, and sustained innovation at this public university committed to public good; the professionals we train are prepared to be leaders wherever they go. We seek through our work to lead the way in transforming educational practice and policy on this campus, in the state, the nation and the world.
Specifically, we aim to improve educational practice, research, and policy, and to build the capacity of educational institutions and professionals to contribute to the quality, availability, and impact of education across the lifespan. The work we do is focused on critical problems organized in four key domains and on the related knowledge and resources needed to solve those problems:
- Improving the teaching and learning of academic subjects from pre-K through 16;
- Redressing problems of educational inequality;
- Improving access to and effectiveness of higher and postsecondary education, particularly for underserved populations;
- Strengthening the professional education of teachers and other education professionals.
Our faculty is expert and experienced both as scholars and practitioners. As researchers, they work at the intersection of disciplines --tackling core problems, creating new paradigms, applying a variety of methods, shaping national policy. As teachers, faculty members are preparing the next generation of education professionals. The faculty engage in and contribute to a wide variety of local, state, national, and international programs and initiatives.
Our students--ambitious, curious and talented--come from a wide range of settings and experiences. Our graduates and their multifaceted contributions offer powerful proof of Michigan's leadership in the world educational community.
Our staff is dedicated and imaginative, contributing experience and skills from many different higher education and community settings. Their dedication and consistent effort contribute powerfully to our capacity.
It is imperative that today's education problems be addressed through bold innovations and disciplined study. The future of society depends on improving educational practice and organizations, research, and policy. We aim to make significant contributions with our work, to collaborate with others, and to communicate and share our work effectively and broadly.
