The USF College of Education (COEDU) is committed to preparing the next generation of educators, scholars and educational leaders for PK–12 and higher education through exemplary undergraduate and graduate degree programs. We are one of the top-ranked colleges of education in the country and are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and other specialized accrediting bodies. More than 51,000 COEDU alumni are making a difference in the lives of children, families and adults. They, along with our partners, are engaging our local, regional and global communities and making an unstoppable impact.
Vision
The college envisions itself as a leader in regional, national and international education. Preparation that builds on collaboration, academic excellence, interdisciplinary research, scholarship, ethical practice and diversity contributes to a just and productive society.
Partnerships for Educational Change
Almost everyone remembers someone who made a difference in his or her life. More often than not, that person was an educator—a teacher, a coach, a counselor or a principal. The COEDU has granted over 51,000 degrees to such individuals, and our graduates are making a difference in lives across America and throughout the world.
You can make a difference in meeting the needs of our state and nation through giving to the COEDU.
Urban Initiative. The Urban Initiative entails working with faculty, staff, students and community constituents to advance collaboration between USF, the college and the community in order to link research, policy and practice in a collective effort to solve educational, sociopolitical and economic dilemmas in urban settings. Our Urban Initiative also leverages funded research to support what we know works in education and advances best practices in urban education reform including reducing drop-out rates, increasing achievement, and improving retention and graduation rates.
STEM Initiative. The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiative in the COEDU consists of programs and projects designed to recruit, prepare and increase educator expertise. Funding will ensure and advance this strategic and essential initiative in collaboration with other USF colleges, local school districts, and state and national organizations. The STEM initiative will further enhance science and mathematics literacy of PK–12 students and increase the number of individuals with careers in science and mathematics.
Technology and Innovation. Cutting-edge technology is the hallmark of the college and one of the keys to educational change. Through the use of technology, we are revolutionizing teaching and learning one classroom at a time. The COEDU is a nationally recognized leader in integrating technology in PK–12 education. The Technology and Innovation Fund will support faculty in their efforts to prepare technology-literate educators for tomorrow who can equip PK–12 students with the skills they need to succeed in a global society. The fund will also provide faculty and students with access to the technology tools they need to transform teaching and learning.
Financial Literacy and Free Enterprise Education. The Gus A. Stavros Center for Free Enterprise and Economic Education is a premier program in free enterprise and financial literacy education. As the recipient of the coveted Freedoms Foundation Leavey Award for Excellence in Private Enterprise Education on three separate occasions, the center’s mission is to ensure that future generations of educators and PK–12 students possess the skills to function effectively in the global economy. Equally important is the Stavros Center’s commitment to ensuring that the tenets of capitalism are strengthened and conveyed to students in our schools. Funding provides continuing education scholarships for educators and myriad resources in global economics.
Pursuing Academic Excellence
Faculty Enhancement. Putting research into practice is more than just a concept; it is an integral part of our philosophy in the COEDU. Designated by the Carnegie Foundation as a premier national research university, USF is proud of its first-rate faculty, who are engaged in cutting-edge research that focuses on a variety of global, national and local educational problems and issues.
Faculty enhancement consists of establishing chairs and professorships, often awarded to leading scholars. These top-notch educators impact the classroom, their fields of research and the communities they serve. Your support provides assistance in attracting and retaining preeminent faculty members by providing needed financial backing for research and teaching projects.
Faculty fellowships, usually awarded to newly appointed faculty, help build our base of future scholars by serving as a foundation for faculty teaching and research. Priority will be given to those scholars and fellows who address our primary focus areas.
Ensuring Student Success
Doctoral Graduate Fellowships. Graduate fellowships will enable the COEDU to recruit high quality graduate students, who will enhance the graduate student profile consistent with a major research university. These students will contribute to and benefit from the college’s top-notch graduate programs and, with the aid of fellowship support, will graduate in a timely manner to become educational leaders in their disciplines.
Investing in New Opportunities
Support the USF College of Education with funding that will make the critical difference in cutting-edge faculty research; recruiting and retaining an outstanding faculty and student body; enhancing the quality of our programs; fostering community engagement; and helping us to achieve AAU eligibility. Working together we will build a college that remains unstoppable.
