Ninety Years and Counting

In June, the College of Education will celebrate its 90th anniversary. Since 1921, Penn State has worked to carry out then-President John M. Thomas’s belief that Penn State had a special obligation to improve the quality of teaching at all levels. In 1923, Penn State formed the School of Education in order to fulfill that vision. At that time, it consisted of five departments— Home Economics, Education and Psychology, Agricultural Education, Industrial Education, and Nature Study— and had 359 students enrolled that first year.

Today, the College of Education continues that great tradition by offering students a variety of programs for both undergraduate and graduate work. The College offers seven undergraduate degrees as well as graduate degrees and certificates in numerous top-notch programs. This commitment to be among the best has paid great dividends—for the College, our students, and the people served by our graduates.

The College comprises four academic departments: Learning and Performance Systems; Educational Psychology, Counseling, and Special Education; Curriculum and Instruction; and Education Policy Studies. In spring 2013, the College had 1,530 undergraduates and 777 graduate students enrolled at University Park, and 3,084 total students at all campuses.

Dean David H. Monk said that the College has been deeply committed to the role that needs to be played by research and evidence in the improvement of the teaching practice from its earliest days, and the faculty’s research findings have transformed the field.

“We are at a fascinating point in the history of the field of education, and the College will continue to excel and provide leadership throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and beyond,” said Monk. “Our more than 45,000 alumni have gone on to distinguish themselves throughout the vast field of education.”

Monk added that we can all be proud of the College’s accomplishments in the 90 years since its founding in 1923.

“Please join me in celebrating the accomplishments of this remarkable academic institution,” said Monk.

--by Kevin Sliman (April 2013)