ISFODOSU unveils innovative educational model to shape future teachers

Santo Domingo.- The Instituto Superior de Formación Docente Salomé Ureña (ISFODOSU), the nation’s leading institution for teacher education, has launched a groundbreaking new educational model, solidifying its commitment to producing world-class educators.

In a ceremony led by Rector Dr. Nurys del Carmen González, ISFODOSU presented the model, now available as a comprehensive book, at the 2024 International Book Fair. The model, developed through extensive collaboration with faculty and stakeholders, places a strong emphasis on practical teaching experience, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to excel in the classroom.

“We aspire for this document to serve as a guiding light, inspiring our academic community to fulfill our mission of making significant contributions to the Dominican education system,” said Dr. González.

Dr. Nurys González and the ISFODOSU academic community unite around a common goal: to make a reality a document that guides the institution towards a future of excellence and significant contribution to the Dominican educational system. (Photo: Isfodosu)

The model, rooted in a deep understanding of disciplinary knowledge and pedagogy, offers a unique blend of educational approaches. By centering on practical experience, ISFODOSU aims to equip its graduates with the essential skills and competencies needed to be effective teachers.

Dr. Carmen Gálvez, Academic Vice Rector, explained the process undertaken to develop and complete the ISFODOSU Educational Model. (Photo: Isfodosu)

Dr. Carmen Gálvez, Vice Rector for Academics, detailed the collaborative process involved in creating the model, expressing pride in the institution’s ability to provide a foundational document for its own operations and for other educational institutions.

“This model is the result of a consensus among all ISFODOSU stakeholders,” emphasized Gálvez.

A vision for the future of education. Professor Mercedes Hernández unveils the guiding principles of our new Educational Model. (Photo: Isfodosu)

The model’s content, presented by Professor Mercedes Hernández, outlines the institution’s beliefs about teaching and learning. “ISFODOSU’s educational model, curriculum, programs, and practicum system are all aligned with our core beliefs, which are grounded in socio-critical, historical-cultural, and competency-based approaches,” explained Hernández.

A key innovation of the model is its focus on practice-based initial teacher education. This approach ensures that graduates emerge from ISFODOSU with the fundamental competencies required for successful teaching.

The book was made available to faculty, students, and collaborators at the ceremony, held at the Aída Cartagena Portalatín Academic Hall of the National Library. The document will be accessible to the public, including higher education institutions offering teacher education programs.

Dinorah de Lima, Nurys del Carmen González, Sandra González Pons, Carmen Gálvez, Mechi Hernández Caamaño, Jocelin Taveras and Emelinda Padilla Faneytt. (Photo: Isfodosu)

A focus on practice

The updated educational model places a strong emphasis on practical experience in teacher training. This model, a roadmap for students and faculty, guides them towards developing essential competencies and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

For over two decades, ISFODOSU has been dedicated to training high-quality teachers for the Dominican Republic. The institution has made significant strides in defining its identity and evolving its approach to teacher education. This latest update builds upon these achievements, seeking to enhance coherence and alignment among its various campuses.

The model prioritizes hands-on experience, allowing future teachers to learn through simulated and real-world teaching scenarios. It strengthens the connection between theoretical knowledge and practical application, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among faculty. The model aligns with contemporary approaches to teacher education, emphasizing competencies, constructivism, and the role of the teacher as a facilitator of learning.

By implementing this updated model, ISFODOSU aims to produce highly skilled teachers well-prepared to meet the challenges of 21st-century education. The institution is committed to fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, ensuring its graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide high-quality education for all students.