Department of Teacher Education

The Department of Teacher Education offers initial teacher preparation programs and advanced educational degree programs that prepare graduates to be teachers who make a difference.

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Welcome

Troy University boasts a long history in teacher preparation; the first teaching certificates were issued in 1888 when Troy University established itself as a leader in the field with highly sought-after graduates. The Department of Teacher Education proudly upholds that heritage. We invite you to share in our love of teaching and learning by exploring the many possibilities available to you in our educational career paths. If you want to be well-prepared for today's challenges for educators, as our students consistently demonstrate, this is the place for you! Our department collaborates with several other academic units to prepare students to become early childhood, elementary, collaborative, secondary, and interdisciplinary teachers across 16 Bachelor of Science programs, 14 Master of Science programs, and 3 Education Specialist programs.

Featured Programs

Troy University faculty with elementary school students.

Early Childhood Education (P-3) Bachelor's

Troy University's Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education equips you to make a positive impact on children, shaping futures and laying the groundwork for success.

Early Childhood Education (P-3) Bachelor's

Troy University students working in the classroom with elementary students.

Elementary Education (K-6) Bachelor's

Troy University's Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education will help you leave a lasting impact on students' lives and prepare you to be highly competitive for K-6 teaching jobs in Alabama and beyond.

Elementary Education (K-6) Bachelor's

Troy University students working with children in the classroom.

Collaborative / Special Education Bachelor's

Learn from experienced faculty to teach students with diverse learning needs and abilities and help them find success in inclusive classroom settings through TROY's Bachelor of Science in Collaborative Education.

Collaborative / Special Education Bachelor's

Troy University students listening to professor in classroom

Secondary Education Master's

Through TROY's Master of Science in Secondary Education program, you'll enhance your content area expertise while gaining advanced teaching skills in grades 6-12.

Secondary Education Master's

All Programs

Study Abroad with TROY

Chancellor's Award for Global Competitiveness (CAGC)

The Award aims to foster international awareness and better assimilation of Troy University students in the worldwide workplace. The awards, enabled by proceeds derived from the TROY Foundation's TROY Car Tag program and other international travel funding, will be available in $1,250 increments to qualified students participating in university-approved study abroad programs.

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Internships

All teacher education programs at Troy that lead to initial licensure require an internship as the culminating experience. These internships require teacher candidates to apply professional and pedagogical skills to demonstrate their competence in teaching. Internships are practical and pragmatic in nature, and are designed to provide teacher candidates with a holistic pre-service teaching experience that sets them up for future success in the classroom.

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What Do Teachers Do?

Teaching continues to be the backbone of Troy University. From kindergarten to high school, teachers help their students to learn basic skills and progress to more advanced levels of learning. Teachers provide encouragement and support to their students that can stay with a child or young adult for a lifetime.

How Can I Find Out More?

To find out specifics for obtaining a teaching certification in the State of Alabama, please go to: https://www.alsde.edu/sec/ec/Pages/home.aspx.
For military personnel and their spouses that seek to use their military skills in the field of teaching in the State of Alabama, please go to: https://www.alsde.edu/sec/ec/Pages/military-all.aspx?navtext=Military/Military%20Spouses.
For specific information about Troy University's College of Education programs, you can email us at dte@troy.edu. We look forward to hearing from you.

Students working together on a project under the professor's supervision

Mission

Troy University was founded in 1887 as Troy State Normal School, with a singular mission: to train and prepare teachers for Alabama's public schools. Established by the state legislature, the institution began as a teacher's college dedicated to developing skilled, knowledgeable educators to meet the growing demand for public education across the region. Over time, the school evolved, expanding its academic offerings while maintaining a strong foundation in teacher education. Today, Troy University honors its origins through a continued commitment to excellence in preparing educators who lead with integrity, innovation, and a deep understanding of their communities.

All programs are accredited by the Alabama State Department of Education, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (now Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation).

Courses are delivered using traditional methods and modern technologies, including online, and web-enhanced instruction. Campus courses are taught in technology-equipped classrooms. Programs are offered on four Alabama campuses and online to provide for the needs of today's students.

Meet the Faculty and Staff

The Department of Teacher Education at Troy University is proud to be home to a diverse and dedicated team of educators, scholars, and practitioners committed to preparing the next generation of teachers and educational leaders. Our faculty bring a wealth of experience from classrooms, research, and community engagement, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive, high-quality education rooted in real-world practice. Grounded in Troy University's mission to develop lifelong learners and effective professionals, our faculty are passionate about mentoring, innovation in teaching, and advancing the field of education through scholarship and service.

Troy University alumna Deborah Stringfellow and Alabama's Teacher of the Year 2025 beside a photo of Hawkins Hall on the Troy Campus.

Alumni Spotlight

Troy University alumna Deborah Stringfellow has spent her year as Alabama's 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year traveling the state, speaking to schools and colleges about the positive work happening in Alabama classrooms. She's focused on encouraging educators to reconnect with their purpose and reminding them why teaching is one of the most rewarding careers. With more than 40 years of experience shaping young minds, her remarkable career is a testament to her dedication and passion for education. As Alabama Teacher of the Year, Stringfellow embraced opportunities to advocate for educators across the state and encourage the next generation of teachers. Dr. Joseph Johnson, the Department Chair for Teacher Education, offered his congratulations to Stringfellow for this prestigious honor. “She represents all the outstanding qualities of the teachers TROY has been proud to produce since its founding in 1887,” he said.
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News

Hawkins Hall is home to the College of Education on the Troy Campus.

Troy University celebrates unprecedented success in Higher Education Report Card

Troy University achieved remarkable success in its educator preparation programs, according to the Alabama State Department of Education's annual Higher Education Report Card. Among the most significant accomplishments is the University's 100% first-attempt pass rate on the Educative Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA) for both undergraduate and graduate students.

Department of Teacher Education

Welcome