College of Education and Liberal Arts
About the College of Education and Liberal Arts
The College of Education and Liberal Arts at Wilmington University is a leading preparer of educators for schools in Delaware and the region. The College attracts substantial numbers of students who are preparing to pursue careers as educators in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
In addition to teacher preparation degrees in elementary and middle school teaching, special education, and secondary teaching, the College offers degrees and preparation programs in a variety of specialized educational areas such as school counseling, school leadership, educational technology, career and technical education, instruction, and reading. Doctoral degrees are offered in higher education leadership, school and school district leadership, teacher leadership, and organizational leadership. At any given time there are about 1,000 Wilmington University students doing supervised fieldwork in schools throughout Delaware and the region.
Vision
We believe that effective professional educators must also be learners who want to share challenging ideas and successful practices with their colleagues. Educators prepared at Wilmington University believe in the importance of hard work, persistence, and in reflecting on and improving the quality of that work. They are committed to collaborating with parents, colleagues, and community stakeholders. They want to create teaching/learning environments that encourage exploration and innovation, that enhance personal, physical and emotional development, and that stimulate intellectual growth and high levels of student achievement. We try to maintain a climate of high expectations, caring, and respect for the worth of every individual. We view ourselves as “Professional Partners, Creating Environments for Learning.”
Mission
The College of Education and Liberal Arts at Wilmington University prepares educators to work successfully with children from birth through adolescence, and to work closely and effectively with all education stakeholders. Our programs prepare candidates to work effectively with students with a wide variety of learning needs and diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and linguistic backgrounds. An important goal of our programs is the translation of theory into practice. All programs are standards-driven. All programs emphasize the importance of data-based decision making, practical experiences in classrooms and schools, content knowledge, knowing and understanding learner needs, and the application of research-based best practices.
Conceptual framework
The College of Education and Liberal Arts Conceptual Framework reflects the vision and mission of the University and articulates the College’s philosophy and goals. The Conceptual Framework is the fundamental theoretical architecture upon which all degree programs are based. The framework includes eight specific Program Attributes essential for the preparation of effective educators. These attributes appear on every course syllabus.
The complete Conceptual Framework can be found on the Wilmington University website.
Accreditation
Wilmington University is a private, non-profit institution that is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The College of Education and Liberal Arts is nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). In addition, all licensure-linked teacher preparation degree programs are nationally recognized by relevant Specialized Professional Associations. College of Education degree programs contributing to eligibility for state licensure/certification are also approved by the Delaware Department of Education.
Because our programs are state-approved, the College of Education and Liberal Arts must sometimes modify degree requirements to comply with licensure/certification or regulatory changes mandated by the Delaware Professional Standards Board, the Delaware State Department of Education, or the Delaware General Assembly.
Background checks
A Criminal Background Check (CBC) is required for all field placements associated with College of Education and Liberal Arts degrees (e.g., practical, course-related fieldwork, student teaching, internships, residencies, etc.). This includes a background check by the FBI and the Delaware State Police, and clearance through the Delaware Child Protection Registry (DCPR). This process must be completed PRIOR to submitting applications for placements. No applications for clinical placements can be considered until all CBC and DCPR reports have been received.
Content Assessment
Candidates for all undergraduate College of Education and Liberal Arts degrees leading to Delaware licensure must meet the content assessment requirements adopted by the Delaware Department of Education and described in DE Administrative Code, Title 14, Regulation 290, in order to be eligible to enroll in student teaching. That regulation states, in part:
“Where a content readiness exam is applicable and available in area, subject, or category of specialization sought, the Candidate shall achieve a passing score on an examination as established by the Professional Standards Board, in consultation with the Department and with concurrence of the State Board.”
Candidates must check with Program Chairs or the Office of Technology, Assessment, and Compliance as to the ETS Praxis II content assessments and prerequisites for fieldwork. These assessments differ depending on the areas and levels of teacher certifications that are desired.
Please note that admission to the University and to the College of Education and Liberal Arts (graduate and undergraduate) does not guarantee admission to a state-approved educator preparation program.