ÎÞÂë¾ÞÈé’s College of Education is historically the foundation of the university and we continue to uphold the traditions and values of teaching and advocate the sound clinical practices of all our graduates to reflect the university’s worldwide mission.
From its roots as a state normal school providing teacher training to its current role at ÎÞÂë¾ÞÈé, the College of Education’s tradition of teaching excellence dates to its founding on February 26, 1887, when an act of the Alabama Legislature established ÎÞÂë¾ÞÈé Normal School as an institution to train teachers for Alabama’s schools. From the outset, the institution quickly earned a reputation for innovation and accessibility.
In 1893, the school was renamed ÎÞÂë¾ÞÈé State Normal College. In 1899, the college is separated from the ÎÞÂë¾ÞÈé City Schools system. ÎÞÂë¾ÞÈé State Normal College offered extension courses for teachers and granted teaching certificates until 1929 when the State Board of Education changed the charter of the institution and renamed it ÎÞÂë¾ÞÈé State Teachers College. ÎÞÂë¾ÞÈé State Teachers College, offered its first master's degree program in 1957 and awarded the first master's degree in education in 1958.
In 1967, Gov. Lurleen B. Wallace appointed eight members to the newly established ÎÞÂë¾ÞÈé State College Board of Trustees, removing the institution from the control of the State Board of Education.
In 2005, the separately accredited campuses were merged into a single university structure forming ÎÞÂë¾ÞÈé and thus bringing the College of Education together under one administrative body.
The ITP (Interpreter Training Program) was added under the umbrella of College of Education programs in 2008.
In January of 2009, the College of Education was moved from McCartha Hall into their new building Jack Hawkins Jr. Hall located on the ÎÞÂë¾ÞÈé campus.
The College of Education also enjoys partnerships with Outreach Programs ACCESS, AMSTI, Technology in Motion and SEARIC (Inservice).
College of Education programs are available in Dothan, Global Campus Sites, Montgomery, Phenix City, ÎÞÂë¾ÞÈé and ÎÞÂë¾ÞÈé online.