Mission of the School of Education

The UC Davis School of Education (SOE) marshals the knowledge and resources of the University of California, the world’s pre-eminent public research university, to confront and eliminate inequities among people and communities through the generation of impactful knowledge and the promise of education. We accomplish this by engaging in research and policy analysis that bear on student attainment and success; by preparing and mentoring high quality teachers and educational leaders who serve as advocates for all learners; by forging partnerships and collaborations that make a difference in students’ lives today and tomorrow; by broadening definitions of learning and the locations in which it takes place; and by offering interdisciplinary programs that position our graduates to provide leadership and insight into the greatest challenges facing educators in California, in our nation, and around the world. 

History of the School of Education

Working to strengthen schools has a long history at UC Davis, dating back to the first teacher-training program held on the University Farm in 1918. With the official founding of the School of Education in 2002, the University reinforced its land-grant mission, declaring its intention to be a major force in the education of children throughout the region and beyond.

The School’s research strengths are well aligned with the needs of the state. Efforts in faculty hiring, program development and partnership building focus on those needs: English learners; assessment; math, science and technology; neurodevelopment and education; literacy; and education policy. We have expanded our work with practicing educators through professional development programs and graduate degree programs designed especially for veteran educators.

Taking inspiration from our roots as a pioneering “ag” school, we enter our second century eager to stake our claim as an engine for change in education.