From its beginning as a state certified but privately owned normal school in 1871 to today, Teacher Education continues to be a significant mission of West Chester University. Becoming West Chester State Teachers College in 1927, the institution evolved into West Chester State College in 1960. In 1983 the college became West Chester University, one of the 14 universities in the State System of Higher Education.

WCU now ranks as the third largest university in southeastern Pennsylvania with teacher education as the most popular major for both undergraduate and graduate students. WCU is either first or second in Pennsylvania annually for the number of candidates recommended for licensure each year. Along with our colleagues in the College of Arts and Sciences and other professional schools, the College of Education is committed to ensuring that teacher candidates are well grounded in academics and experience a clinically-based professional curriculum that exemplifies "best practice" and current educational expectations.

Recognizing that the University cannot do it alone, the College of Education has established partnerships with area school districts most notably an urban/suburban initiative with the School District of Philadelphia, West Chester Area School District, and Downingtown School District, Kennett School District, Upper Darby School District and many others. The College of Education is working with these school districts to transform extant elementary and middle schools into Professional Learning Communities, i.e. schools "for the development of novice professionals, for continuing development of experienced professionals, and for the research and development of the teaching profession" (Holmes, 1990; p.1).

The College of Education offers undergraduate degrees in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education, and in conjunction with the College of Arts and Sciences, in most secondary areas. We also offer graduate degrees in Elementary Education, Special Education, Literacy, and Counseling. In collaboration with the Schools of Health Sciences and Music, the College of Education provides coursework in support of teacher candidates in Health, Health and Physical Education, Music, and Communicative Disorders.

The following programs have earned accreditation from their national organizations:

• Early Childhood Education program has earned national recognition from National Association for the Education of Young Children.
• Special Education program has earned national recognition from the Council for Exceptional Children.
• Elementary Education programs (B.S. Ed. and post-baccalaureate certification) have earned national recognition from the Association for Childhood Education International.

The WCU students and NCATE (National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education) recognized the high quality of the WCU faculty both in their instructional methods and their research practices. Student satisfaction is evidenced each year through survey results and effective student-faculty rapport. Each program places an emphasis on student learning and purposeful educational field experiences.