If you wish to educate the young minds of preschool, elementary, middle, and high school students in the public school systems of the “Yellowhammer State,” then you will need to pursue at least a bachelor’s degree from one of the top teaching colleges in Alabama. As the 25th highest employer of educators in the nation, Alabama employs more than 54,000 public school teachers each year. In order to sharpen the skills and teaching strategies needed to educate the next generation in the “Heart of Dixie,” the following are the top teaching colleges that provide top-notch programs in Alabama.
Alabama A&M University
College of Education, Humanities, and Behavioral Sciences
Following the belief that “Service is Sovereignty,” the College of Education, Humanities, and Behavioral Sciences is committed to preparing entry and advanced level educators with the skills needed to compete in the global market. Students admitted into the Teacher Education programs have a high retention rate of 78% over a four to six-year time span.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Programs
• Early Childhood Education
• Elementary Education
• Music Education
• Physical Education
• Secondary Education
• Special Education
Master of Education (M.Ed.) Programs
• Early Childhood Education
• Educational Leadership
• Elementary Education
• Performing Arts
• Secondary Education
• School Counseling
• Special Education
• Visual Arts Education
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
4900 Meridian Street
Normal, AL 35762
(256) 372-5500
info@aamu.edu
http://www.aamu.edu/Academics/EHBS/Pages/default.aspx
Alabama State University
College of Education
Currently recognized for having the 111th best online graduate education programs in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report, the ASU College of Education (COE) is committed to offering professional education programs that develop teachers as decision makers. About 80% of graduate students at Alabama State University are enrolled in education degree programs.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Programs
• Business Education
• Early Childhood Education
• Elementary Education
• English
• General Science
• Health Education
• Mathematics
• Music
• Physical Education
• Social Sciences
Master of Education (M.Ed.) Programs
• Collaborative Teacher K-12
• Early Childhood Education
• Education Administration
• Elementary Education
• Health Education
• Library Media Studies
• Reading Specialist
• School Counseling
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
915 South Jackson Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
(334) 229-4100
wperson@alasu.edu
http://www.alasu.edu/academics/colleges–departments/college-of-education/index.aspx
Athens State University
College of Education
Within a baccalaureate degree-granting institution that offers coursework at the junior and senior undergraduate levels, the Athens State College of Education (COE) is focused on developing the pedagogy and classroom management strategies needed for teaching ever-changing student populations. According to a 2012 Principal’s Survey, 99% of principals rated Athens State graduates are either “very effective” or “effective.”
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Programs
• Early Childhood Education
• Elementary/Collaborative Education
• Elementary Education
• Instructional Design
• Physical Education
• Secondary Education
• Special Education
• Technical Education
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
300 North Beaty Street
Athens, AL 35611
(256) 233-8100
Wendy.Cowan@Athens.edu
http://www.athens.edu/college_edu/
Auburn University
College of Education
Building on a 100-year history of teacher preparation, Auburn University’s College of Education has a reputation for producing some of the best and brightest instructors in the state. In fact, the U.S. News and World Report survey ranks it as the 77th best education school with the 6th best online graduate education programs in the entire United States.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Programs
• Agriscience Education
• Early Childhood Education
• Elementary Education
• English Language Arts Education
• Rehabilitation and Disability Studies
• General Science Education
• Social Science Education
• Special Education
Master of Education (M.Ed.) Programs
• Adult Education
• Early Childhood Education
• Elementary and Secondary Administration
• Elementary Education
• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESL)
• Library Media
• Music Education
• Special Education
Ph.D. Programs
• Administration of Higher Education
• Counselor Education
• Educational Psychology
• Reading Education
• Rehabilitation and Special Education
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
3084 Haley Center
Auburn, AL 36849
(334) 844-4446
eduinfo@auburn.edu
http://www.education.auburn.edu/
Faulkner University
College of Education
Offering both Alternative A and Class B teacher certification degree areas approved through the Alabama State Department of Education, Faulkner’s College of Education is focused on preparing well-rounded teachers within a caring Christian environment. Graduates go on to serve their communities through leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels of the education field.
Bachelor’s Degree Programs
• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Secondary Education
• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Theatre
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Elementary Education
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Physical Education
Master of Education (M.Ed.) Programs
• Biology
• Elementary Education
• English
• History
• Mathematics
• Physical Education
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
5345 Atlanta Highway
Montgomery, AL 36109
(334) 386-7106
education@faulkner.edu
http://www.faulkner.edu/undergrad/academics/college-of-education/
Huntingdon College
Department of Education, Music, and Art
Founded in the Judeo-Christian traditions of the United Methodist Church from a liberal arts perspective, Huntingdon College’s Department of Education, Music, and Art has established five accredited teacher preparation programs at the baccalaureate level. In addition to professional experiences through teaching internships, students can become involved in Alabama’s only on-campus collegiate chapter of the Alabama Association for School Curriculum and Development (AASCD).
Bachelor’s Degree Programs
• Elementary Teacher Education
• Elementary/Collaborative Special Education K-6
• Music Education
• Physical Education
• Secondary Teacher Education (with concentrations in Biology, Chemistry, English Language Arts, History, or Mathematics)
Accreditations
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
1500 East Fairview Avenue
Montgomery, AL 36106
(334) 833-4222
ecasey@hawks.huntingdon.edu
http://www.huntingdon.edu/academics/academic-programs/programs-of-study/teacher-education/
Jacksonville State University
College of Education and Professional Studies
Serving the citizens of northeastern Alabama with traditional and online degree offerings, Jacksonville State University’s College of Education and Professional Studies is dedicated to preparing students as effective and reflective decision makers. According to the U.S. News and World Report, JSU is home to the 96th best online graduate education programs in the nation.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Programs
• Collaborative/Special Education
• Early Childhood Education
• Elementary Education
• Physical Education
• Secondary Education
Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) Programs
• Collaborative Education K-6 and 6-12
• Early Childhood Education
• Elementary Education
• Instructional Leadership
• Library Media and Educational Technology
• Physical Education (with concentrations in Pedagogy, Nutrition, or Human Performance)
• Reading Specialist
• Secondary Education
• Teacher Leader
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
700 Pelham Road North
Jacksonville, AL 36265
(256) 782-5781
edinfo@jsu.edu
http://www.jsu.edu/edprof/academics/index.html
Judson College
Education Department
Within a caring collegiate community of undergraduate liberal learning, Judson College’s Education Department is dedicated to preparing students for teaching in diverse classrooms by engaging their minds and hearts. Since the department is a strong advocate for experiential learning, students have the valuable opportunity to travel to educational conferences, participate in service learning projects at local schools, and join the on-campus Beta Rho chapter.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Programs
• Elementary Education K-6
• Secondary Education 6-12 (with concentrations in Language Arts, Social Studies, Music, General Science, and Mathematics)
Accreditations
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
302 Bibb Street
Marion, AL 36756
(334) 683-5140
gmccorquodale@judson.edu
http://www.judson.edu/academics/academic-programs/social-sciences/education/
Miles College
Division of Education
Based within a senior private historically black institution with roots in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Miles College’s Division of Education is dedicated to producing highly qualified teachers who are ready to pursue a teaching career and continued intellectual stimulation in graduate school. All initial teacher preparation programs at the baccalaureate- level are accredited through the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) for excellence.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Programs
• Biology Education
• Chemistry Education
• Early Childhood Education
• Elementary Education
• English/Language Arts Education
• General Social Science Education
• Mathematics Education
• Music Education (Choral or Instrumental)
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
5500 Myron Massey Blvd.
Fairfield, AL 35064
(205) 929-1695
cjordan@miles.edu
https://www.miles.edu/academics/education
Oakwood University
Department of Education
With the mission of providing holistic preparation of teachers for serving today’s multicultural society, the Department of Education offers bachelor’s degree programs to prepare educators for teaching in Seventh-day Adventist church schools as well as public school systems. As a member of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE), the accredited programs fulfill academic requirements for initial state certification in Alabama.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Programs
• Biology Education
• Elementary Education
• English Language Arts Education
• Health/Physical Education Teaching
• Mathematics Education
• Music Education (Choral or Instrumental)
• Religious Education
• Social Science Education
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
7000 Adventist Blvd. NW
Huntsville, AL 35896
(256) 726-7164
mbyirukira@oakwood.edu
http://www.oakwood.edu/academics/academic-departments/education
Samford University
Orlean Bullard Beeson School of Education
With a current ranking as the 147th best graduate education school in the United States by the U.S. News and World Report, Samford University’s Orlean Bullard Beeson School of Education boasts an employment rate of nearly 100% for all degree graduates. In fact, the School has also been recognized as one of the top four effective undergraduate teacher preparation programs in the entire nation by the U.S. Department of Education.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Programs
• Early Childhood/Early Childhood Special Education
• Elementary Collaborative Education
• Elementary Education with Concentration in Christian Education and Missions
• Human Development and Family Life Education
• Secondary Education
Master of Science (M.S.) Programs
• Education with Gifted Certification
• Educational Leadership: Policy, Organizations, and Leadership
• Elementary Education
• Instructional Leadership
• Nontraditional Secondary Education
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
800 Lakeshore Drive
Birmingham, AL 35229
(205) 726-2011
rcholt@samford.edu
http://www.samford.edu/education/
Spring Hill College
Division of Teacher Education
Through a combination of liberal arts education and strong professional preparation, Spring Hill College’s Division of Teacher Education is focused on preparing students to teach in today’s culturally diverse society. In addition to lectures and discussions in the college classroom, all teacher education programs include extensive laboratory experiences and a full-time internship in an approved local school.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Programs
• Early Childhood Education
• Elementary Education
• Secondary Education
Master of Science (M.S.) Programs
• Early Childhood Education & Elementary Education
• Secondary Education (with certification for English Language Arts, General Social Science, History, or General Science)
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Programs
• Early Childhood Education & Elementary Education
• Secondary Education (with certification for English Language Arts, General Social Science, History, or General Science)
Accreditations
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
4000 Dauphin Street
Mobile, AL 36608
(251) 380-4000
laultman@shc.edu
http://www.shc.edu/department/teacher-education
Talladega College
Department of Social Sciences and Education
Within Alabama’s oldest private historically black college rooted in a liberal arts tradition, Talladega College’s Department of Social Sciences and Education is focused on preparing students for careers in secondary education as well as graduate school. The program follows the Highly Qualified Teacher (HQT) standards approved by the Alabama State Department of Education to ensure all graduates have the credentials for receiving initial certification.
Teacher Education Program
Leading to a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree, students can join the Teacher Education Program to receive state certification in one of the following areas:
• Biology (6-12)
• English Language Arts (6-12)
• History (6-12)
• Mathematics (6-12)
• Music Education (P-12)
Accreditations
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
627 Battle Street West
Talladega, AL 35160
(256) 362-0206
lelong@talladega.edu
http://www.talladega.edu/academics/EduHome.asp
The University of Alabama
College of Education
With a reputation for preparing educators and public school personnel since 1844, the University of Alabama’s College of Education is divided into five large departments to deliver teaching degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. With full NCATE accreditation, UA is recognized for having the 74th best education school in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report survey.
Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.) Programs
• Collaborative Teaching
• Early Childhood Dual Certification
• Elementary Education
• Foreign Language Education
• Secondary Education (English Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Science, or Science)
Master of Arts (M.A.) Programs
• Computers and Applied Technology
• Educational Leadership
• Elementary Education
• ESL/Bilingual Education
• Gifted and Talented
• Reading Education
• Secondary Education (English Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Science, or Science)
• Severe Disabilities
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Programs
• Collaborative Teacher Education
• Educational Leadership
• Educational Administration
• Higher Education
• Instructional Leadership
• Teacher Leader
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
739 University Blvd.
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
(205) 348-6010
nadams@bamaed.ua.edu
http://education.ua.edu/academics/
Tuskegee University
School of Education
Housed within the only historically black private institution in the nation to be designated as a National Historic Site, Tuskegee University’s School of Education is nationally accredited for providing bachelor’s degree programs that lead to professional teacher certification in Alabama. All teacher education programs are designed to prepare graduates for professional teaching careers in public or private schools and other educational agencies.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Programs
• Elementary Education
• English Language Arts
• General Science Education
• Mathematics Education
• Physical Education
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
1200 West Montgomery Road
Tuskegee, AL 36088
(334) 727-8784
parmer@mytu.tuskegee.edu
http://www.tuskegee.edu/academics/colleges/school_of_education.aspx
University of Alabama at Birmingham
School of Education
Renowned for being on the leading edge of investigating some of today’s most pressing challenges in urban and special education, the UAB School of Education offers a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate programs accredited by the NCATE. As the 143rd best education school, the School of Education is acclaimed for having the 123rd best online graduate education programs in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Programs
• Arts Education
• Early Childhood and Elementary Education
• Secondary Education (English Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Science, or Science)
Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.) Programs
• Arts Education
• Early Childhood and Elementary Education
• Early Childhood Special Education
• English as a Second Language (ESL)
• Health Education
• Reading Specialist
• Secondary Education (English Language Arts, Foreign Languages, Mathematics, Social Science, or Science)
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) Programs
• Collaborative Special Education (with concentration in Autism Spectrum Disorders)
• Teacher Leadership
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
1720 2nd Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35233
(205) 934-4011
emfinger@uab.edu
http://www.uab.edu/education/home/departments/degrees-programs
University of Mobile
School of Education
Founded with the inspirational motto “Changing lives to change the world,” the University of Mobile’s School of Education is housed within the 27th best college in the South according to the U.S. News and World Report. From classroom teachers to principals and athletic trainers, the School is focused on preparing students for making a positive difference in the lives of students in elementary and secondary school settings.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Programs
• Early Childhood Education
• Elementary Education
• High School Certification (with concentration in Biology, English Language Arts, History, Human Performance and Exercise Science, Math, Music, or Social Science)
Master of Education (M.Ed.) Programs
• Early Childhood Education
• Elementary Education
Accreditations
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
5735 College Parkway
Mobile, AL 36613
(251) 675-5990
pkingsford@umobile.edu
http://www.umobile.edu/Academics/AcademicAreas/SchoolofEducation.aspx#.U62a3_ldWAj
University of South Alabama
College of Education
Not only is the University of South Alabama recognized for having the 174th best online bachelor’s programs by the U.S. News and World Report, but the College of Education is also acclaimed for having the 111th best online graduate education programs in the nation. Since being founded in 1967, the College has grown into one of the university’s largest divisions offering a broad range of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Programs
• Early Childhood Studies
• Elementary Education
• Physical Education
• Secondary Education (English Language Arts, General Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, Health Education, Physics, or Chemistry)
• Special Education
Master of Education (M.Ed.) Programs
• Collaborative Special Education K-6 or 6-12
• Early Childhood Education
• Educational and School Leadership
• Elementary Education
• Instructional Design and Development
• Library Media Specialist
• Physical Education
• Reading Specialist
• Secondary Education (Arts Education, English Language Arts, ESOL, General Science, Mathematics, Foreign Languages, or Social Studies)
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
307 North University Blvd.
Mobile, AL 36688
(251) 460-6101
coe@southalabama.edu
http://www.southalabama.edu/coe/index.html
University of West Alabama
College of Education
For more than 175 years, the University of West Alabama’s College of Education has been successfully preparing highly qualified educators by providing opportunities for teacher education candidates to develop the important attributes of critical thinking, respect, personal integrity, and moral character. In fact, the College is recognized for having the 123rd best online graduate education programs in the country by the U.S. News and World Report.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Programs
• Collaborative Teacher Special Education
• Early Childhood Development
• Elementary Education
• Physical Education
• Secondary Education
Master of Education (M.Ed.) Programs
• Early Childhood Education
• Elementary Education
• High School Education
• Instructional Leadership
• Library Media
• School Counseling
• Special Education K-6 or 6-12
Education Specialist (Ed.S.) Programs
• Collaborative Special Education
• Early Childhood Education
• Elementary Education
• Instructional Leadership
• Library Media
• Teacher Leader
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
100 U.S. Route 11
Livingston, AL 35470
(205) 652-3421
kchandler@uwa.edu
http://www.uwa.edu/coe/
Within Alabama, there are three different levels of certification that will qualify educators for practicing within the state’s borders. Whether you are interested in pursuing Class B certification at the bachelor’s level, Class A certification at the master’s level, or Class AA certification at the doctoral or education specialist level, do not forget these top teaching colleges in Alabama to reach your professional goals.
You may also like: