Top Teaching Schools

Here we will review the nation's leading schools with education programs. Among them are Ivy League and other highly ranked institutions.

School Overviews

Students who are interested in becoming teachers can find programs at Vanderbilt University, Stanford University, Harvard University, and Columbia University, among others. Education programs at Vanderbilt University lead to bachelor's and master's degrees; those at Harvard, Stanford, and Teacher's College are available at the master's and doctoral levels. A bachelor's degree and state-issued license are usually required to teach in a public elementary, middle or high school. Licensing requirements include completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program and a supervised internship, as well as a passing score on an exam.

Harvard University in Cambridge, MA

School Highlight: Education students are allowed to enroll in courses in other prestigious Harvard graduate schools.

Harvard University tied for second among the best education schools in 2016, according to U.S. News & World Report. The Harvard Graduate School of Education at this Ivy League institution offers master's and doctoral programs in education and special studies, teacher education and technological innovation. The curriculum includes coursework in development and leadership, educational policy and strategy.

Vanderbilt University (Peabody) in Nashville, TN

School Highlight: Famous alumni include former pin-up model Bettie Page and Chris Barbic, founder of YES College Preparatory Schools.

In 2016, U.S. News & World Report ranked Vanderbilt University fifth in the country for its education school and fifth for its elementary teacher education program. The university's College of Education and Human Development offers both bachelor's and master's programs in education and teaching. These include specialized programs in English education, international education policy and musical arts. Undergraduate and graduate students can also pursue programs in child development and child studies.

Stanford University in Stanford, CA

School Highlight: The school runs a charter school called East Palo Alto Academy.

Stanford University is a private research institution that ranked first on the U.S. News & World Report list of education schools in 2016, as well as fifth for its secondary teacher education program. Stanford's School of Education offers master's and doctoral programs in curriculum and teacher education, as well as learning sciences and technology design. The education programs enroll approximately 370 full-time students, which may provide more opportunities for hands-on learning and individualized attention.

Teacher's College at Columbia University in New York, NY

School Highlight: This school was ranked 7th best for graduate education programs by U.S. News & World Report in 2016.

Teacher's College at Columbia University is the largest graduate education school in the U.S. There are 10 departments with over 60 areas of study, the college's main focuses being education, psychology, health, and leadership. Master's degrees are awarded as well as doctorates, varying by program.