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Vision and Mission of the Department of Education

Grounded in the Jesuit tradition at Santa Clara University, the vision of the Department of Education is to develop competent, compassionate, and critically reflective educators and leaders in a collaborative environment to transform the larger community through equity-oriented research, practice, and service that inspires hope. 

Our mission is rooted in equity, justice, reflection, and service. Together we strive to:

  • Disrupt and transform inequitable educational structures

  • Shape reflective, equitable practice and policy

  • Engage in community partnerships where we learn with and from each other

Values That Guide Our Work

Inclusivity, Equity & Justice

We value the uniqueness of people and perspectives. We celebrate and leverage differences, talents, and abilities. We work to dismantle racial/linguistic/ability hierarchies and other forms of intersectional oppression.

Responsive Engagement

We strive to create interactive, collaborative, and culturally sustaining learning environments that help foster a sense of belonging for people of all backgrounds.

Collaboration

We work together in the co-creation of ideas and to identify and question existing unjust structures and provide new ways of doing things.

Compassion

Informed by an ethic of care (cariño), we approach each other and our work with empathy to work side by side with students and community members, recognizing the dignity of all people.

Reflection & Action

We are committed to the integration of theory and practice with an emphasis on critical reflection.