Mission Statement:

The Harry H. Henney ’35 and Jeanette Henney Department of Education bridges theory and practice to prepare students for vocations that promote individual well-being, community engagement, peace, and social justice.  

Learning Goals:

Graduates of the Henney Department of Education will (1) construct and deliver appropriate curriculum or organizational models (2) assess students’ learning and development or effectiveness of organizational programs (3) establish professional and reciprocal relationships (4) create positive and caring environments (5) seek to lead principled and productive lives by making ethical and professional decisions. 

We believe everyone deserves access to high quality childcare, education, and programs that respect cultural differences, individuality, and humanity. With these beliefs, we have centered our programs on the guiding principles of Vision – Voice – Vocation. 

VISION              The Henney Department of Education values educational professionals as intellectuals committed to putting the social and emotional needs of students at the heart of the educational process. In our capacity as educational leaders – regardless of our vocations – we envision learning opportunities which foster community, embrace restorative justice and trauma-informed practices, support collaboration, focus on social justice, develop intrinsic motivation, inspire deep understanding, create active learning experiences, and value the contributions of children and young adults. Ultimately, graduates of the Henney Department of Education will create visions for themselves as active participants in their communities. 

VOICE                As professionals, graduates of the Henney Department of Education recognize and understand the importance of one’s voice, especially the power of a collective voice, when one voice is joined by others. Through the department’s carefully designed and scaffolded clinical experiences, extended field trips, professional learning communities, introduction to trauma-informed and culturally responsive pedagogy, and professional development, graduates of the program will develop their voices in the manner that best fits who they are. We understand it takes a wide variety of informed people to make systemic changes, and through careful reflection, graduates will begin to consider their role in how Manchester graduates have a positive impact on the world. 

VOCATION      Frederick Buechner wrote, “Vocation is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” Throughout our education programs, undergraduates will explore their gifts and talents as well as reflect on that which makes their hearts sing. As a Manchester graduate, they will have a better understanding of what they may be called to do, recognizing a vocation may change as life unfolds – circumstances arise – and new people enter the picture. Graduates of the Henney Department of Education, though, may continue to seek purpose and seek ways to impact those around them in positive ways.