Program Overview

Introduction to the Creative, Active, and Reflective Educators (CARE) Program

The Creative, Active, and Reflective Educators (CARE) program is one of the oldest partnerships in the Patton College of Education, founded on the principles of Democratic Education as proposed by John Dewey. The program proudly partners with Federal Hocking Secondary School and is designed for Middle Childhood, Adolescent-to-Young Adult, and Multi-Age majors. It begins in the fall of the sophomore year, and students travel together as a cohort through the CARE course of study, working immediately and continuously in Partnership Schools.

The Clinical Model Through the Lens of the CARE Program

The CARE program is guided by five principles:

5 Principles of CARE

1. Social/Cultural: The primary role of the school is to develop in students the habits of the heart and mind that make active and full democratic citizenship possible.
2. Nature of the Learner: Students explore the nature of the child as a learner and how psychological, emotional, cognitive, and physical development impact learning and teaching in the classroom.
3. Curriculum: Curriculum is defined as the sum of the experiences a child has in school, and teachers' choices should be predicated upon enhancing the intellectual, moral, and social development of each child within the context of a democratic society.
4. Democratic Pedagogy: The role of the teacher in the democratic classroom goes beyond providing students with information to enhance their social, emotional, and intellectual development through experience.
5. Praxis and Partnership: The program adheres to three basic commitments in teacher education: praxis, partnership, and a commitment to explore the democratic notion of the "common good amidst diversity".

CARE Courses

The program includes a sequence of courses:

• Sophomore Year:
  • Fall Semester: EDCR 1010 (4), EDCR 2010 (3)
  • Spring Semester: EDCR 2015 (3), EDCR 2100 (4), EDSP 2710 (3)
• Junior Year:
  • Fall Semester: EDCR 3100
  • Spring Semester: EDTE 2020, EDCR 4100 (offered if demand permits)
• Senior Year:
  • Fall Semester: Methods courses as appropriate
  • Spring Semester: Professional Internship

Prospective Students

Typically, at the end of the freshman year, education students may apply to enter the CARE Program that begins in the fall semester of their sophomore year. At the same time, students should qualify and apply for Teacher Candidacy in the Gladys W. and David H. Patton College of Education.

CARE Faculty

The program is taught by experienced faculty, including:

• Ann Cell
• Jadey Gilmore
• Molly Mason-Hurst
• Robin Hawk

C.A.R.E. Testimonials

The program has received positive testimonials from students, highlighting the benefits of joining the CARE Program, including the close relationships formed with staff and fellow students, and the opportunities for hands-on experience in Partnership Schools.