It is the principal teacher-education unit and consists of the Division of Adult, Counselor, and Technology Education, the Division of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, and the Division of Teacher Education, which includes the Department of Counseling and the Department of Educational Administration. The education of professional personnel for the public schools constitutes a service to the state and its people and to the education profession. One of the first duties of the college is that of ensuring that anyone who applies for admission to a program leading to educational service is qualified by preparation and personal attributes for this important work. Once admitted, the student undertakes a program that has as its objective the assurance that the candidate has laid the foundation for a broad, general education, has completed a basic study of the professional functions of the teacher, and has gained substantial competence in the subjects to be taught or in the area in which he or she will serve. Besides preparing personnel for the schools, the college provides educational leadership for the people of Idaho, to the state's education system, and to the teaching profession through consultation, participation in organizational activities, and research.
Preparation is provided in all of the major areas of professional education.
The College of Education is fully accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education and the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification. The programs of study in education are planned to meet certification requirements in Idaho, those of most other states, and the requirements of the various accrediting agencies, such as the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges.