Conceptual Framework for Preparing Reflective and Caring Technical Educators for a World of Technology and Diversity At New York City College of Technology
Institutional Vision and Mission:
To provide access to education and professional skills for success in an evolving technological world.
New York City College of Technology (City Tech) is the designated technical college of The City University of New York, currently offering both baccalaureate and associate degrees, as well as specialized certificates. It serves the city and the state by providing technically proficient graduates in the technologies of the arts, business, communications, health, and engineering; human services and law-related professions; technical and occupational education; and liberal arts and sciences. The college provides access to higher education for New York City’s diverse population and assures high quality in its programs by a commitment to outcomes assessment. The college also serves the region by developing partnerships with government agencies, business, industry and the professions, and by providing technical and other services.
Education at City Tech provides students not only with a command of skills necessary in their respective career areas, but also the educational foundation for lifelong learning. All degree programs are built upon a liberal arts and science core curriculum designed to foster intellectual curiosity, an appreciation for the aesthetic dimension of life and work, and a respect for cultural diversity. Students obtain practical experience in their chosen fields in a variety of settings. The college further encourages student growth and development through academic and student support services and a wide array of student activities.
Our Mission:
To prepare professionally competent and caring technical educators for a world of technology and diversity.
Our Philosophy
A morally sound education in a democratic society must provide favorable environments in which every learner has an opportunity to develop to his/her full potential, regardless of his/her cultural background or personal dispositions. Such education must enable citizens to develop technological literacy, make informed choices about careers, and develop the required knowledge and skills to enter, progress, and succeed in a culturally diverse and increasingly technological society.
Schools, as agents of society, cannot adequately meet the challenges posed by technology without teachers who possess strong academic, pedagogical and technical knowledge and skills. At City Tech, we envision career and technical education of the 21st century in which all students have access to competent, and qualified teachers.
Our Purpose:
To prepare career-technical and technology educators who can demonstrate through their professional practices and values those competencies that promote effective learning.
Our General Goals
Our teacher candidates should be able to
- demonstrate knowledge and skill in their career or technical content areas to enable students to achieve high standards of learning and performance.
- demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the students they teach and create learning environments that support and foster learning, taking into account each student’s abilities, needs, interests, and socio-economic and cultural background.
- design, plan, implement, and manage the instructional process in a safe and nurturing environment, using a variety of methods, assessment techniques and resources, including modern technology, to engage students in meaningful learning.
- communicate and collaborate with other teachers and school personnel, parents, and the larger community in order to create a safe and healthy learning environment.
- demonstrate sensitivity to the diversity that characterizes urban classrooms and awareness of the teacher’s professional responsibility toward special populations including students with disabilities, gifted and talented students, adult learners, women, and language and ethnic minorities.
© New York CityTech Department of Career and Technology Teacher Education 2007
