Welcome to Appalachian State University’s Reich College of Education!  

Appalachian provides education students with a unique perspective – the physical location and community as well as the belief that education is something to be valued and nurtured.

Preparing quality educators is a cornerstone of Appalachian’s past, present and future. When it comes to teacher education, the state and region look FIRST to Appalachian for innovative instruction, faculty excellence and student success.

From Watauga Academy, founded in 1899, to Appalachian State Teachers College, established in 1929, and to the College of Education, established in 1968, Appalachian State University has a long history of preparing quality educators. The Reich College of Education, named for benefactor Lois Reich in 1987, continues this legacy today.

The Reich College of Education is comprised of five departments as well as Appalachian's first doctoral program. 

The college enrolls approximately 2,400 students in its bachelor's, master's, education specialist and doctoral degree programs. 

Appalachian offers one of the largest undergraduate teacher preparation programs in North Carolina, graduating approximately 500 teachers a year. With so many teacher education graduates working in the state, there is at least one RCOE graduate teaching in almost every county in North Carolina.

Latest News

Dean Spooner congratulates graduate

App State awards degrees to over 4,200 graduates ready to shape the future

Appalachian State University celebrated the resilience and achievements of more than 4,200 graduates during its Spring 2025 Commencement, with six cer...

Group photo of award recipients

2025 Reich College of Education Award Recipients Named

Nine faculty and staff members of Appalachian State University’s Reich College of Education (RCOE), along with the Scholars with Diverse Abilities P...

Retiring faculty

Congratulations to RCOE Spring 2025 Retiring Faculty

Congratulations to Reich College of Education (RCOE) faculty and staff members who retired at the end of the 2025 spring semester:Dr. Les BoltDr. Cher...

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Join the RCOE News Group

Join the RCOE Engage Community 

Engage Instructions:

  1. Log in with your App State username and password
  2. Navigate to the Reich College of Education Portal
  3. Select "Join Now"

Events

Schedule a Visit

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The James Center for Student Success & Advising coordinates many college events as well as campus visits and tours for prospective undergraduate students. 

Master Your Future

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The Reich College of Education offers 13 master's degree programs and 10+ graduate certificates. Learn more at an upcoming information sessions!