Education at Teachers College | Teachers College, Columbia University

Education Programs at Teachers College

Teachers College, Columbia University is ranked #2 by U.S. News and World Report – for a reason.

Teachers College is the nation's first, and top-ranked, graduate school of education. We've earned the distinction, with world-class faculty, unparalleled research resources, and a global reputation.

At TC, you will develop a broad and deep understanding of the theory, history, and philosophy of education. Our education programs prepare future teachers, policymakers, and educational leaders to step up where it matters – in curriculum-making, pedagogy, and institutional change. Some students prepare for research careers; others work in schools. All seek to make change in the world.

Learn more about TC's graduate education programs.

“We have to educate and prepare future teachers to embrace diversity because the world is diverse. I often tell my students that we have to learn to appreciate one another. We only have one world to live and exist in together. It is up to us to have these difficult conversations.”

Felicia Moore Mensah, Professor of Science Education

"In our classes, we learn the scholarship of teaching. But what does it actually mean to do it? That part is much harder. My department does a really good job of finding opportunities locally for our students to go out and teach in those classrooms.”

Sabrina Avila, Ph.D. candidate in Science Education

“One thing that's really been important to me and the way I think about my work is that learning happens all the time, everywhere, for all of us. It’s not something that's restricted to a classroom or to a formal school.”

Nathan Holbert, Associate Professor of Communication, Media and Learning Technology Design

Explore Our Programs

At TC, we educate curriculum designers, teachers of science, mathematics, history, social studies, art, TESOL, and English. Our grads are making special education more accessible, opening bilingual schools, and leading pre-K programs. Where will you make your mark?

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A TC student teaches a class of children

TEACH WHAT MOVES YOU

What our students teach, matters to them. Science teachers educate students about climate change, and those students go on to be voters. Social studies teachers guide students as they grapple with their own identities, contextualizing past, present, and future all at once – and often become a safe harbor during times of crisis. TC students know that content areas – and learners – are not interchangeable.

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BUILD YOUR CAREER

You can choose from over 30 programs that lead to initial or professional teacher certification in New York, with many states offering reciprocity. As a reflection of our commitment to training teachers across the country, TC has also launched the Teachers' Future Award, which offers financial assistance to qualifying incoming students pursuing teacher certification.

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ENVISION A BETTER FUTURE

True change requires creativity. Across disciplinary boundaries, TC students, faculty, and alums speak of the need for educators who can imagine a better world. Dr. Amanda Mazin practices the principles of Universal Design for Learning in her special education classes – emphasizing that more accessible environments are better for all learners. And each July, teachers from all over gather at TC for the Reimagining Education Summer Institute. Together, they envision a classroom that is antiracist, culturally responsive, and student-centered – a place where that better future can begin.

True Change Starts With You

For more than a century, Teachers College has pioneered the study of how people learn, and how they should be taught, in all fields. Work toward true change with us – sign up to learn more or start your application today.

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