Vision of Hope
The Division of Education prepares exceptional educators and leaders who advocate for the transformative power of education in the lives of all P-12 learners and their communities. The Division of Education affirms the power of competence, leadership, equity, and ethical professional practice as cornerstones of our mission and vision. These commitments serve as a foundation for our work preparing educational professionals to navigate the complexities of school and society.
Through the integration of competence, leadership, equity, and ethical and professional practice, the Division of Education prepares you to live out SPU's mission: to engage the culture and change the world.
The Division of Education’s Conceptual Framework is informed by the Christian faith of faculty and staff as represented by Micah 6:8: And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
History of Excellence
Seattle Pacific University has been preparing some of the most sought-after educators in the region for the past century. Today, entrance to Division of Education programs can be highly competitive. Faculty members have worked to develop programs of quality, rigor, and relevance based upon current research and best practice in the field.
Many faculty have a national and international reputation in their areas of expertise. They are known for mentoring their students during and following their educational programs. These professors model lifelong learning through scholarly activities of their own, publishing frequently and presenting at professional conferences.
Variety of Offerings
The Division of Education offers undergraduate and graduate teacher certification programs, doctoral programs, master’s degree programs, graduate certification programs, and additional courses and endorsement offerings through the Center for Professional Education. While many students train to become teachers, others prepare for roles as principals, superintendents, district office personnel, or professors in higher education.
Commitment to Equity
At the heart of Seattle Pacific’s approach to the discipline of education is a focus on opportunity for all, including those traditionally underserved and underrepresented. The Division of Education values the richness that diversity brings to the learning community at SPU, and faculty and students strive to love their neighbors, seeking to help reconcile people regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or class.
As part of its efforts to create community on and off campus, the Division of Education works to increase the diversity of faculty, staff, and students; creates opportunities for students to engage within the greater community and among diverse populations; and addresses issues of diversity and reconciliation through the academic program.
In keeping with their commitments to leadership and service, the Division of Education faculty and students are fully engaged in the community at the local, regional, national, and international levels.
Community engagement takes many different forms, including grants for community-focused research; annual "Go to College" days on the SPU campus for children from inner-city schools; SPU-sponsored conferences for educators and community members; and academic exchanges with educators around the world. Because of longtime partnerships with regional schools, Division of Education undergraduate and graduate teacher and administrator certificate interns have been active in the lives of students throughout the area for decades.