The Elementary Education program prepares teachers who can respond creatively to the needs of students from diverse backgrounds in the process of promoting their learning. The goals of the program enable pre-service teachers to demonstrate research-based pedagogical approaches, to expand their content knowledge in order to help students meet the challenges of the 21st century, to use educational technologies thoughtfully, to value democratic public education, and to appreciate the key role of critical thinking in all aspects of schooling. Faculty view the professional work of program graduates as part of their efforts in supporting reform initiatives in local public schools.