Department of Social and Psychological Foundations of Education

Chairperson: Poonam C. Dev, Ph.D. Professor: Dev, Ph.D., Glander, Ph.D.; Associate Professor: Tell, Ph.D.; Assistant Professor: Bailey Jones, Ph.D., Sommers, Ph.D.

Foundations of Education encourages students to ask questions regarding conventional notions of schooling and learning. After examining the contextual influences and political interests that shape such conventional notions, students are able to expand their subjective understanding of education to include broader perspectives based on interdisciplinary studies, educational research, and conceptual analysis.

Specifically, students learn to investigate educational practices, propositions, and policies; evaluate the norms and values prioritized by specific approaches; and productively critique the supporting arguments. Students will be able to imagine and implement educational arrangements that incorporate inclusive and equitable approaches.
Further study in the Foundations of Education is available at the graduate level.

Mission Statement:

Faculty in the Department of Social and Psychological Foundations of Education are committed to equity and social justice. We strive toward these goals by critically examining forces and structures of power, and the role of education in bringing about progress. Our programs prepare students to think critically and embody aspirations of democratic participation. We encourage our students to sustain an active role in advocacy in educational settings and the broader society.