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General Information

The College of Education is an upper division college and graduate professional school that prepares teachers, administrators, school counselors, and other education personnel; provides professional development for teachers and other educational and recreational fitness personnel; provides information for understanding educational issues to school and community groups; and conducts basic and applied research concerning problems in education.

The college is one of 19 institutions nationally that has formally established a working school and university partnership as members of the National Network for Educational Renewal. As such, the college is a leader in the nation in the development of field-based programs that effectively link educational theory to practice in the schools. Both students and faculty spend considerable time in schools, share their insights and expertise, while simultaneously learning from school professionals who have the day to day responsibility of educating children and young people. 

The college is committed to integrating technology in its educational programs to ensure that Hawai'i's educators are prepared to use technology to enhance instruction and learning, to ensuring that all educators are prepared to work with diverse populations of students including those with special needs, and finally, to fostering the skills and abilities of graduates to assume leadership roles in education in service to the state and region. 

Graduates of the bachelor of education (BEd) program are recommended by the College of Education for teaching licensure by the State of Hawai'i. The BEd in elementary education provides optional programs for additional areas of preparation: early childhood education and special education. State approved teacher education programs in elementary or secondary education for post-baccalaureate students are also offered. Graduates of the master of education in teaching (MEdT), master of education (MEd) degrees in secondary, elementary, or special education programs are recommended by the College of Education for professional certification by the State of Hawai'i. Practicing teachers may also seek professional certification through the Professional Diploma in Education or the master of education degree in educational foundation or the master of education degree in educational psychology (emphasis in learning and assessment).

Vision and Mission

The College of Education consists of a world class team of educators who provide innovative and cutting-edge research, teaching, service, and leadership to the local community, the State of Hawai'i, the Nation, and the world beyond. The college prepares educators to contribute to the advancement of a diverse humanity in realizing a just, democratic society.

The mission of the college is to:

• prepare and provide ongoing professional development of teachers, administrators, counselors and related professionals at the undergraduate and graduate levels;
• generate, synthesize and apply knowledge in education and related fields through teaching, research and other scholarly activities; and,
• provide service and support to the local, national and global educational and related communities.

The College of Education has a complex set of responsibilities that is unique not only among the colleges of this University but among colleges of education in state universities nationwide. In a state where there is only one major public institution of higher education concerned with the broad array of fields in professional education, the UH College of Education must fulfill the combination of roles other states generally assign to several campuses.

College-wide Themes

There are five fundamental themes that characterize the college's professional education programs. These themes, listed below, are reflected in different ways and to different degrees in each program. Nonetheless, they provide a common sense of purpose and language across the college's wide array of programs.

By COLLABORATIVE, we mean that our programs:

• Engage multiple communities;
• Encourage partnerships; and,
• Emphasize field-based experience.

By INCLUSIVE, we mean that our programs:

• Respect multiple perspectives;
• Demonstrate concern for ethical/moral dimensions; embrace democratic principles; and,
• Foster health and wellness.

By DYNAMIC, we mean that our programs:

• Insist on professionalism/professional competence;
• Nurture professional growth;
• Value a commitment to social justice/social change;
• Advance leading edge-21st century technological innovations.

We believe that our programs PROMOTE INQUIRY by:

• Integrating theory and practice;
• Drawing on/contributing to an expanding knowledge base; and, 
• Prizing scholarship and research.

We believe that our programs PROMOTE REFLECTION by:

• Cultivating reflective practice;
• Fostering individual and program renewal; and, 
• Advancing authentic assessment.

The college motto, "Be Enriched Through Education," developed in 1987, expresses a belief that the lives of individuals and communities are enriched primarily through education and that education is the best way to advance the human condition.

Accreditation 

The College of Education is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). It is also accredited by the State of Hawai'i under the State Approval of Teacher Education (SATE) process, applying standards established by the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC). SATE approval qualifies education graduates for reciprocal teaching licensure and certification in at least 40 other states and the District of Columbia. In practice, education graduates qualify for certification in all states.

Degrees and Certificates

Bachelor's Degrees: BEd in elementary education, BEd in secondary education, BS in kinesiology and leisure science. Baccalaureate students who choose an elementary education major will enroll for a second baccalaureate degree (BEd).

Master's Degrees: MEd in counseling and guidance, MEd in educational administration, MEd in educational foundations, MEd in educational psychology, MEd in educational technology, MEd in elementary education, MEd in secondary education, MEd in special education, MEdT in teaching, and an MS degree in kinesiology and leisure science.

Doctoral Degrees: PhD in Education (with specialization in curriculum and instruction, educational administration, educational foundations, educational policy studies or exceptionalities), PhD in educational psychology

Certificates: PBCSE (post-baccalaureate certificate in secondary education), PBCSE/SPED (post-baccalaureate certificate in secondary and special education), and PBCSPED (post-baccalaureate certificate in special education).

Certifications: school counseling, rehabilitation counseling; dual teacher preparation in elementary/special education, secondary/special education, and elementary education/early childhood

Advising

BEd, Dual Teacher Preparation in Elementary/Special Education, Secondary/Special Education, and Early Childhood/Elementary Education 

Office of Student Academic Services
Wist Annex 2-126
1776 University Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96822
Tel: (808) 956-7849
Fax: (808) 956-4271
E-mail: osas@hawaii.edu

BS in Kinesiology and Leisure Science 

Department of KLS
Physical Education/Athletics 231
1337 Lower Campus Road
Honolulu, HI 96822
Tel: (808) 956-7606
Fax: (808) 956-7976

Graduate Degrees

Contact the departmental offices of graduate fields of study in the College of Education.

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