WHY AM I HERE? Apparently, so I won't lack for material. A committee that coordinates teacher certification efforts among the various colleges of Northern Illinois chose to include a member from each department that offers a certificate, and I am now serving. The organizational meeting was this morning, and there will be plenty more good stuff as the semester unfolds. For today, a few paragraphs from the "conceptual framework" (which includes a logo that looks like a hazardous material warning, but that's got to wait until I find a web-friendly version of it.)

All certification programs at Northern Illinois University are based on the shared vision and goals of a community of learners. Our unique governance structure provides for responsive and reflective change in educator preparation programs by incorporating diverse perspectives and respect for the expertise of a variety of individuals, while maintaining a focus on the preparation of exemplary educators who demonstrate the necessary knowledge, practice, reflection and dispositions. Each of these areas draws upon the strength of essential aspects of a community of learners in which educational practice and reflection are based upon a broad general education and a sound disciplinary base of knowledge. The community of learners is enriched and strengthened by the interaction of its core elements: knowledge, practice and reflection.

The goal of individual programs is to develop exemplary educators who have a broad general education, relevant disciplinary knowledge, and experience in and knowledge of contemporary best practices. The continuing professional effectiveness of our graduates is rooted in their life-long learning and reflective practice. This cornerstone of NIU's conceptual framework prepares students to deal with the diverse interests of the communities in which they will serve based on the understanding that as a professional educator, he/she is part of that community of learners. NIU is committed to lifelong learning and to the effective use of creative and critical thinking skills in diverse and collaborative settings.

The point of expanding the committee is to "obtain the perspectives" of each department. What effect that will have on "shared vision" remains to be seen.