ÁùºÏ±¦µä’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 ÁùºÏ±¦µä, 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 ÁùºÏ±¦µä 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 ÁùºÏ±¦µä State Normal College. In 1899, the college is separated from the ÁùºÏ±¦µä City Schools system. ÁùºÏ±¦µä 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 ÁùºÏ±¦µä State Teachers College. ÁùºÏ±¦µä 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 ÁùºÏ±¦µä 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 ÁùºÏ±¦µä 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 ÁùºÏ±¦µä 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, ÁùºÏ±¦µä and ÁùºÏ±¦µä online.