The Division of Professional Education is composed of the Teacher Education Program, the Department of Education, the Department of Health and Physical Education, Department of Psychology. and Department of Business Administration The major function of the first three departments in the division is the preparation of individuals to become effective professional educators. The division operates within a conceptual framework, the Effective Professional Educator, that includes competency in the following areas: subject and pedagogical content knowledge and skills, professional values and dispositions, technology, diversity and research. The Division develops in students the dispositions of responsibility, commitment, and high ethical standards. The conceptual framework guiding the programs and processes of the unit is based on sound knowledge derived from educational research, informed theory, the wisdom of practice, educational standards, and policies.

The primary purpose of the division is to prepare effective, well-trained elementary or secondary teachers who desire to serve children and youth, the community, the teaching profession, and society. The focus on competence in the discipline, professional values and dispositions, and enrichment in diversity and technology ties into the college’s mission. This responsibility is undertaken with the express purpose of developing and offering high quality programs of study designed to produce teachers who demonstrate and are committed to excellence and competence in their professions and to quality leadership and service in society. The certification programs allow all candidates to meet “highly qualified” designation, as defined by No Child Left Behind. The unit designs, implements, and evaluates curriculum and experiences for candidates to acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to help all students learn. Day-to-day operations of and teaching within the unit occur on the main campus of the college, and it maintains the Teacher Education Center, a resource laboratory for candidates majoring in teacher education, for the student preparation needs. These experiences include working with diverse higher education and school faculty, diverse candidates, and diverse students in P-12 schools.

Dean of Professional Education

Dr. Linda Bradford is originally from Mount Vernon, Alabama. She graduated from The University of Alabama with a Ph.D. in English Education/Program and Staff Development. She has been at Stillman for 6 years. She teaches classes in the Harte Honors Program and has been in higher education for 32 years.