Wellness & Inclusive Services in Education

The Wellness and Inclusive Services in Education (WISE) Department in the College of Education offers a variety of opportunities that involve specialized student support in schools. The department offers programs in Inclusive Education, Special Education, School Counseling, School Psychology, School Nursing and Learning Disability Teacher Consultant preparation. WISE programs share a foundational commitment to inclusion and wellness as social justice imperatives. The WISE Department offers opportunities at the undergraduate, post baccalaureate, graduate, and postgraduate levels to deepen knowledge and skills and is committed to supporting all students in schools and related community settings. We prepare teachers, counselors, nurses,school psychologists, and Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultants who require specialized content knowledge and content-specific pedagogy that support the overall wellness (e.g., academic,social/emotional, career development) of P-12 students. WISE programs require field-based assignments and clinical experiences and meet state-mandated requirements that lead to certifications and endorsements.

Core Values

Mission Statement

Our mission is to create a network of inclusive educators and leaders who facilitate profound, sustainable, and meaningful change for education. We promote the core values of diversity and inclusion; social and emotional wellness; strengths-based, relational approaches; advocacy, action, and democratic principles; and intentional collaborations. Our highly-qualified and diverse faculty, staff, and graduates integrate teaching, research, scholarship, and community service to enhance the learning, mental health, leadership, and personal development of future educators and leaders. We adhere to the highest ethical standards in preparing our students as transformational leaders, scientist-practitioners, and advocates for social justice.

Vision Statement

The Department of Wellness and Inclusive Services in Education (WISE) is committed to developing educators and practitioners who serve the diverse needs of all learners in educational settings through a strengths-based/asset-based lens of wellness and inclusivity.