University School of East Tennessee State University serves a dual function.
The primary function of the school is to help the College of Education at East Tennessee State University achieve its mission of preparing professional educators by:
- Providing university students with opportunities to observe innovative instructional practices;
- Providing university students opportunities to work with and teach K-12 pupils under the direction of skilled mentor teachers;
- Serving as a research laboratory for the advancement of programs and new ideas in the field of education;
- Serving in a leadership role for the educational community.
The second function is to provide a rich and varied curriculum that promotes the continuous academic, social, and emotional growth of each child in grades K-12.
University School and College of Education faculty and administration believe that the two broad functions described above are complementary. When teachers, professors, administrators, and students work collaboratively in the interests of educational excellence, all stakeholders benefit.