DR. ROBERT B. COOTER, JR., DEAN OF THE ANNSLEY FRAZIER THORNTON SCHOOL OF EDUCATION, WELCOMES YOU!
On behalf of the entire Bellarmine family, please accept my personal thanks in advance for your time and expertise as we work together to insure that all children have equal access to an excellent education.
Bellarmine University continues to be the preferred choice among independent universities in Kentucky and the region for those interested in careers in education. For more than six decades, the Frazier Thornton School has led the way in implementing our University’s mission “to benefit the public interest, to help create the future, and to improve the human condition. Thus we strive to be worthy of [Bellarmine’s] foundational motto: In Veritatis Amore, In the Love of Truth.”
The Frazier Thornton School has enjoyed a celebrated history of innovation and excellence in preparing teachers and school leaders. You will discover in this visit that our carefully selected faculty members are accomplished teachers, dedicated researchers, and givers of time and talent in community service. Of particular interest to our faculty is research focused on ways we can improve learning for children living in high poverty circumstances. In this way we labor to put into practice our School’s theme and commitment to develop reflective educators.
As you would expect, we have dedicated literally thousands of hours over the years since our last accreditation visit studying assessment data, examining and revising our conceptual framework and professional development experiences, envisioning ways to improve existing programs, and implementing new evidence-based curricula to meet the needs of diverse learners. That said, we both need and welcome your assistance if we are to continue to enhance the quality of our work.
Recognizing the myriad emerging needs of 21st Century learners of all ages, we embrace the continuous improvement concept and know that the “fresh eyes” of our visiting colleagues is an essential part of the renewal process. In this way we shall work together to help pre-service and inservice educators increase their evidence-based knowledge of teaching and learning, pedagogical skills, leadership abilities and professional dispositions. We are eager for your suggestions.
Please do not hesitate to call upon me if I may be of any assistance during this important process.
Sincerely,
Robert B. Cooter, Jr.
Dean and Ursuline Professor of Teacher Education