The Teacher Education Program at South Dakota State University is based on the idea that an effective teacher is one who demonstrates:

• Expertise in a content area
• Knowledge of student learning and development
• Knowledge of diverse student learning needs and preferences
• A variety of constructivist instructional models, activities, and strategies
• Strategies that create a socially interactive and self-motivating learning environment
• Communication strategies and knowledge of language processes
• Outcome-oriented curriculum and instructional plans
• Formal and informal assessment strategies
• Strategies for principled reflection and professional involvement
• Strategies that foster collaborative relationships with colleagues, parents, and community members.

These goals are a guide to organize students' construction of professional knowledge, abilities, and skills as they proceed through the program.