Department of Childhood Education

and Literacy Studies

Mission

The Department of Childhood Education and Literacy Studies (CELS) is an academic department within the College of Education. In keeping with the mission of the University of South Florida and the College of Education, the mission of the department encompasses research, teaching and service. Faculty in the department collaborate with local, state, national and international educators to better understand the continually evolving contexts of education. 

Childhood Education and Literacy Studies is dedicated to research-based pedagogy and the lifelong development of professionals in Literacy, Early Childhood, and Elementary Education through scholarship and community-based initiatives.

The Department of Childhood Education values:

1.  Teaching, research and service based on the highest standards of discovery, creativity, and intellectual attainment.

2.  Developing the personal and professional potential of students and faculty within a context of civility, respect, academic freedom, and democracy.

3.  Enriching the lives of students and teachers by promoting the importance of child advocacy and autonomy through the development of literacies, particularly reading and writing, in the lives of children, teachers, and families.

4. Reinforcing the importance of ethical behavior in classrooms and in all interactions with university and community partners.

5. Embracing cultural and ethnic diversity within a global perspective.

Interim Chair:  Dr. Daphne Thomas

(813) 974-3460
dthomas@tempest.coedu.usf.edu