Those who enroll in the School of Education aspire to become teachers and school leaders who will impact the lives of students and families through education. As a professional network of community school partners, faculty, and alumni, our common mission is to form educators through school-based programs that address the needs of all learners: every heart, every mind, every child. "Education is the art of helping young people to completeness" (Rev. Basil Moreau, 1856). The School of Education continues a two-centuries-old history of preparing teachers and school leaders to educate the whole child in the tradition of Holy Cross, as expressed in this quote from its founder. Shaped by this tradition, we believe education is a matter of justice and that gaps in achievement and social opportunity can be addressed through educators who are skilled in practice and formed by mission. Our ethos directs all that we do as a professional network.
The School of Education inherits this tradition of service through education, and our students and alumni carry it forward with a direct and lasting impact on children and families. All of our programs are clinically-based, requiring students to tutor and teach in public, parochial or private schools during each semester of their teaching or leadership program. Every year, students complete more than 140,000 hours of service in schools and in the community. While serving local schools, students complete nationally accredited programs and learn while working alongside award-winning alumni and education faculty. Upon graduation, we continue to support alumni through professional development opportunities in graduate studies, special teaching endorsements, leadership programs, and professional certificates. More than a school of education, we are a professional network of teachers and leaders dedicated to the common good.
With more than 7,500 alumni and distinguished faculty, the School of Education professional network has a far-reaching impact in the region. This includes alumni Bonnie Robb and Laurie Espenel, recent winners of the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award; alumna Anne Storm, recipient of the 2010 National Catholic Educational Association Distinguished Teacher Award; and Professor Karen Eifler, recognized as Oregon Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
Welcome to our tradition; programs of excellence; our professional and alumni network. I invite you to learn more about the School and explore our program options.
John Watzke, PhD
Dean and Professor, School of Education
John L. Watzke is the Dean of the School of Education at the University of Portland (2010-present). Prior to arriving at UP, Dr. Watzke held positions as Dean of the College of Education and Public Service and Chair of the Department of Educational Studies at Saint Louis University. He has also held positions as administrator, faculty and fellow in the Institute for Educational Initiatives at the University of Notre Dame. His teaching, work, and studies have led to extended professional experiences in Poland, the former Soviet Union, Russia, and Japan.
Read Dean Watzke's Full Biography
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