Our Vision and Mission

The purpose of the Office of School Engagement (OSE) at the University of Georgia is to serve as a bridge between the worlds of theory and practice in P-16 public education in order to improve the educational experiences of students and the professional lives of educators.

We believe:

    • Public education is the foundation of a democratic society and has as its purpose the provision of equal opportunity for all citizens
    • Education is a complex profession which benefits from  multiple perspectives and from collaboration among stakeholders
    • All educators have expertise and make valuable contributions to the profession
    • Learning and teaching are processes which are:
    • Facilitated by on-going, respectful relationships
    • Motivated by interest, purpose, and the opportunity for self-direction
    • Supported by participation in a community
    • Characterized by developmental, cultural and individual differences

Guided by these beliefs we promote:

    • Opportunities for interaction and collaboration between P-12 schools and the College of Education with the goal of developing mutually beneficial partnerships
    • Democratic decision making
    • Civic engagement and service-learning
    • Research that is rooted in problems of practice and the use of evidence to inform practice
    • The inclusion of multiple perspectives and varying viewpoints in planning and decision making
    • Opportunities for learners of all ages and stages to participate in inquiry and exploration

And therefore we:

    • Support COE students and faculty as they become engaged in work with students, teachers and schools
    • Initiate work with schools and districts to create and participate in networks of engaged schools, including Professional Development Schools
    • Respond to the interests and challenges of teachers, schools and districts by:
    • Helping to clarify and frame problems, needs or interests
    • Facilitating the construction of strategies to address challenges, meet needs, and explore interests
    • Serving as a link to relevant resources
    • Providing direct services or coordinated responses as appropriate