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

Three headshots in individual squares. Fourth square is yellow.

Three Reich College of Education Students Inducted into the Cratis D. Williams Society of Outstanding Graduates

Three Reich College of Education (RCOE) students have been inducted into the Cratis D. Williams Society of Outstanding Graduates:Christian ClackVictor...

Amy Washburn professional photo

Dr. Amy Washburn to Retire After Nearly Two Decades of Service

Dr. Amy Washburn, professor and chair of the Department of Leadership and Educational Studies, will retire at the end of this calendar year. For nearl...

Byars chosen to lead Polk County Schools preschool program

Polk County Schools has named Lori Byars as the district’s preschool director, bringing 25 years of educational experience and deep community roots ...

Stay connected with the college — explore upcoming events, workshops, and celebrations on our events calendar.

Join Our News Group

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"

Schedule a Visit

Calendar icon

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

Apply icon

The Reich College of Education offers 12 master's degree programs and 20+ graduate certificates. Learn more at an upcoming information sessions!