In keeping with the mission of the College, Sweet Briar's education department is dedicated to preparing highly qualified professionals who are lifelong learners, responsive to the rapidly changing world and capable of assuming leadership roles. To this end, our graduates become content experts skilled at designing rigorous, thoughtful and authentic curriculum aligned with state and national standards.

To meet the needs of diverse learners in today's inclusive classrooms, the Sweet Briar education program prepares professionals who are adept at differentiating instruction. Graduates of Sweet Briar's education program demonstrate proficiency through reflective analysis and self assessment.

Through collaboration with peers and professionals in the field, Sweet Briar graduates develop qualities to make them teacher leaders for the 21st century. The education department at Sweet Briar College prepares professionals who inform and engage minds, refine curriculum and instruction and inspire through innovation.

For its work in differentiation and mentor teacher/clinical faculty training, Sweet Briar College's education department has won the following awards:

• Southeastern Regional Association of Teacher Education "Innovation in Teacher Education" Award, 2000
• Virginia Polytechnic Institute's "Excellence in Education" Award, 2002
• Virginia School Board Association "Showcase for Success" Recipient, 2003

In addition, since 1998, grants totaling more than $600,000 have been awarded to Sweet Briar and its partners — Randolph College [formerly Randolph-Macon Woman's College], Lynchburg College, Amherst County Public Schools and other local school divisions.

These funds are being used to develop mentor teacher/clinical faculty programs, expand the research base of the mentor teacher training program and training in differentiation and support clinical faculty and mentor teacher development.