3 universities that excel in producing standout educators

Teachers today face many challenges in their journey to shape the minds of the future. The value of a college education has never been clearer, with graduates earning 84% more than those with only a high school diploma. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has muddled this journey, leaving students behind in key areas such as math and reading; average scores for nine-year-old students in 2022 declined by five points in reading and seven points in mathematics compared to 2020. What’s more, the World Health Organisation reported a 25% increase in anxiety and depression among children, affecting their cognitive development during lockdowns.

Adding to these is the rise of artificial intelligence, which is not only transforming the job market (92% of jobs now require some form of digital proficiency) but also raising concerns about replacing human roles. By 2030, it is estimated that up to 375 million workers worldwide will need to switch their jobs and learn new skills, with education being no exception. All these issues make becoming a good, effective, and indispensable educator harder and harder.

However, the need for skilled educators who can navigate these challenges to impart knowledge and inspire change has never been greater. Those who seek the advanced knowledge, skills, and experience to meet this demand should head to the following universities. These institutions are not just offering a change of scenery; they provide you with the opportunities to learn, grow, and impact the world. 

The Pitt School of Education is consistently recognised as one of America’s leading graduate schools for education. Source: University of Pittsburgh

University of Pittsburgh School of Education

At the University of Pittsburgh School of Education, international students join a welcoming community committed to the relentless pursuit of change, for good. As a top-ranked public institution in Pennsylvania and a member of the highly prestigious Association of American Universities, the university is an academic and economic powerhouse where 97% of graduates have achieved a successful career outcome within six months.

Embracing the motto, “Be the spark who ignites learning and inspires change,” the Pitt School of Education is no less prolific. More than 50 degrees and certificates over four areas of study — Teacher Education & School Leadership, Psychology & Human Development, Exercise, Health, & Wellness, and Education Systems & Frameworks — are on offer here. These include master’s programmes such as in:

•  World and Heritage Language Education
•  Education Policy
•  Early Childhood Education
• Clinical Exercise Physiology
•  Curriculum and Instruction
•  Applied Developmental Psychology 
•  Applied Behaviour Analysis
•  Higher Education

What you learn in these programmes will be enhanced in internship, research, and mentorship opportunities, for which there are plenty. The School of Education has a long history of improving the world through education, with no intention of stopping anytime soon. It has trained generations of teachers, school leaders, policy makers, university researchers, clinical scientists, exercise physiologists, mental health professionals, and community leaders. With its hands-on, holistic approach to graduate degrees in education, you’re set to join its global alumni network of over 32,000 individuals spanning 87 countries. 

Pittsburgh, an industrial city, is home to large corporations that offer students internships and post-grad employment opportunities. Source: University of Pittsburgh

Whether they remain in the US or return to their home countries, international students who study at Pitt Education are creating meaningful change in their communities. Catch them when they’re taking a break from improving the world, and you’ll likely find them missing their alma mater and the fun times they spent living in the City of Pittsburgh. After all, this was the city that expanded their view of travel, cuisine, arts, and culture, and is a vital link to the university that transformed their careers. 

UC Irvine’s School of Education, with over 10,000 graduates worldwide, helps train future teachers and addresses the needs of local schools. Source: UC Irvine, Division of Continuing Education

University of California, Irvine

Founded in 1965, the University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine) is part of the nation’s top 10 public universities. With over 36,000 students and 224 degree programmes, the university is known for its innovative research and vibrant campus life.

UC Irvine’s School of Education — one of the top 20 education schools in the country and the top 10 among public universities — is proof that what the university does works. The School of Education is committed to advancing educational sciences and enhancing educational opportunities. Its faculty is known for its research, securing grants from the likes of the US Department of Education.

Alongside this strong research focus, the School of Education’s academic offerings equip future educators with the skills and knowledge to excel in their teaching careers. One example is the Master of Arts in Teaching + Teaching Credential (MAT) programme, where students can earn a master’s degree and a teaching credential within 14 months. The programme supports students with a yearlong apprenticeship at local schools and experienced mentors, fostering personal growth and professional development. 

UBC offers a wide range of programmes for students at all levels and is well-known for using research to enhance teaching practices. Source: The University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a global leader in education, ranked among the world’s top universities. Since its founding in 1915, the university has offered various degree programmes to over 65,000 students from Canada and 140+ countries across its Vancouver and Okanagan campuses.

UBC’s commitment to academic excellence extends beyond its campuses, influencing positive change locally and globally. Students take part in hands-on research projects with world-class faculty, leading to societal breakthroughs. This dedication to advancing educational research is rooted in the university’s core values of diversity, equity, and innovation. 

An example of this is the Faculty of Education, located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) and Syilx (Okanagan) peoples. The faculty is celebrating 50 years of NITEP, a programme that addresses the educational needs of public and First Nations school settings where Aboriginal children attend.

Other than NITEP, students can prepare for their careers through the other education programmes offered on campus, off campus, online and in hybrid modes. The Master of Education (MEd) programmes, for example, help with professional development and include focus areas in Adult Learning and Education (ALE), Adult Learning and Global Change (ALGC), Higher Education (HIED), and more. 

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International