In this course we will review and explore contemporary education, with an emphasis on the concepts of schooling, changing role of teachers, restructuring schools, and teaching as a career. We will examine theories of teaching and learning for the purpose of challenging assumptions about today’s schools and extending expectations concerning tomorrow’s schools.

This course serves as an introduction to careers in preschool, elementary, middle, and high school education. Students will examine their motivation to teach and their current and emerging understanding of teaching throughout the semester. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to critically evaluate teaching as a career based on an understanding of the nature of education, the knowledge that learners bring to school, the history that informs current practices and policies, and expectations that represent the future of the profession.

This course will examine several aspects of diversity as it relates to U.S. culture and society. Moreover, the course will examine and explore the psychological effects of various types of oppression (i.e., racism, heterosexism, and classism) as they impinge upon specific communities within the U.S. and individuals within those communities. In addition, this course will include topics related to social justice and advocacy related to the improvement and empowerment of marginalized groups studied. The course will incorporate various sources of knowledge and content to provide a comprehensive perspective on the multiple layers of cultural diversity represented in U.S. culture. These sources include readings, class discussions, video presentations, experiential activities, and guest lecturers.

Examines aspects of diversity (e.g., gender, class, language) in secondary schools and classrooms. Reviews the foundations of multicultural education and considers implications for curriculum, instruction and classroom management. Field experience included. 

Examines roles and responsibilities of the classroom teacher vis-a-vis the demographic changes occurring in United States society and the public school student population. Topics include race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, social class, poverty and language. 

Develop communication, leadership, and teaching skills while working with youth to broaden participation in computing. With training, student teams assist in after-school programs and K-12 classes to engage youth in computational thinking. Focus on low-entry technologies for creating interactive stories, games, websites, and robotics projects.

Experience the software engineering process through creating educational games for youth; open-ended, project-oriented team learning while assisting regional teachers in integrating computing and computational thinking into the classroom; interact with teachers as clients, hone communication skills and experience design-studio-based critiques of your ideas.