Mission Statement

The University of Missouri's College of Education is dedicated to generating knowledge about human development, learning, and teaching across the life span; and to developing effective, responsive scholars and practitioners who use theory and research to enhance their work in a global, diverse, and technological society.

To achieve this mission, the MU College of Education is dedicated to increasing research-based, professional practice that enables people to achieve their highest potential. For most, this will include higher levels of abstract, conceptual learning that can be applied to real world problems. For some, it may include basic and functional skills necessary for independent participation in society.

The MU College of Education aspires to achieve national and international prominence for its research and educational contributions. By engaging in the enterprises of teaching, research, service, and economic development, the MU College of Education prepares lifelong educators and professionals to provide the necessary foundation for truly educated citizens and contributes knowledge and solutions that address today's complex societal problems.

The University of Missouri serves a diverse group of undergraduate and professional students from all parts of the state, nation and world.  The MU College of Education aims to guide students, faculty and staff to better impact our collective communities through effective research, service and teaching.

The College is organized into the following six academic units:

• The Department of Learning, Teaching, and Curriculum
• The Department of Special Education
• The Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
• The Department of Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology
• The School of Information Science and Learning Technologies
• The Teacher Development Program

Together, these units engage in undergraduate and graduate studies, research, special projects, and international outreach activities that meet the educational and informational needs of Missouri and beyond. 

Core Values

The University of Missouri academic community's values are four-fold; they call for respect, responsibility, discovery and excellence, which build a platform for world-class education. The MU College of Education, building on these values, affirms the following five core values:

Excellence: We commit to the highest standards of professionalism and quality in all we do.  We engage in continuous improvement informed by data.  We gather evidence to demonstrate the impact of our work.

Discovery: Through our focus on discovery, we drive innovations in teaching and learning and contribute to breakthroughs in the science and practice of our professions.  Interdisciplinary and collaborative endeavors are necessary and highly valued.

Student Centered: The best interests of our students are a central consideration in all we do.  Our commitment to student success shall be explicit.  Student outcome data shall be gathered for all students in the college to ensure our objectives for student success are being met.

Diversity and Cultural Competence: Diversity in our people, curriculum and programs enriches learning opportunities in our college and enhances our ability to carry out our mission.  We are committed to increasing cultural competence and diversifying our college and campus.

Community and Collaboration: We are committed to a positive and productive working community.  Interacting with dignity and respect for those with whom we work, inside and outside the college, is paramount to ensuring productive and quality partnerships.  We commit to working with others in our university and larger communities to address societal needs.