History of the College of Education

The University of Akron was once called Municipal University of Akron and offered a basic teacher preparation program. This "normal" course was a two-year course and trained students to become teachers in public education. In 1914, the State Department of public Instruction placed new standards for teacher training. Municipal University had to meet those new standards in order to continue preparing future teachers.

In 1915, President Kolbe and Superintendent Hotchkiss of the Akron Public Schools formed an alliance to meet the new state standards. Municipal University in cooperation with Perkins Normal School would provide students with two options. The first was to take three years at the University and a fourth at Perkins or to take four years at the University and a fifth at Perkins. The first option gave students a B.S. degree and elementary certification from the state. The second option gave students the same degree but a choice of certification in either elementary or secondary.

After World War I the University took a closer look at its teacher preparation program and decided to formalize it. Municipal University and the Akron Board of Education changed the Perkins Normal School into the Teachers College of the Municipal University of Akron. The new dean of this college would be provided by the Akron Board of Education, and Walter J. Bankes, previous head of Perkins Normal, was appointed to that post.

After the University gave out its first Bachelor of Education degrees in June of 1922, a master's program was begun in 1923. This program offered both a Master of Arts and a Master of Science in Education. Because of these additions, evening and summer classes began being offered, and by 1921, enrollment had nearly doubled.

In the 1930's the University considered closing the college because of the Depression and a lack of funds. In fact the Beacon Journal called for the closing of the college because of the drain on taxpayer's money and the close proximity of other teacher colleges. But a renewed contract with the Akron Board of Education and the use of Spicer School and Central High School kept the college open.

Unfortunately other problems were brewing for the Teachers College. In 1930, several members of the faculty, former students, and President Zook decided that Walter Bankes was not fulfilling his potential as Dean of the Teachers College. So, in June of 1931, his contract was not renewed, and Albert Spanton was appointed as Acting Dean. In 1933, Spanton left the post, and it was appointed to Professor Howard Evans. In 1935, under the deanship of Evans, the Teachers College became the College of Education. During the 1950's money became a large issue at the University. Time and again the school asked for state aid, but was usually denied. With the election of Governor Rhodes in 1962, the University received state monies and became a state-assisted municipal university. However, recognizing the need for more