Since 1899, Appalachian State University has been committed to preparing quality educators. From its roots as Watauga Academy, to Appalachian State Teachers College (est. 1929), and now the Reich College of Education (RCOE) (est. 1968), the university has built a legacy of teaching excellence, innovation, and student success.

Named for benefactor Lois Reich in 1987, RCOE continues to honor this tradition by inspiring the next generation of teachers, leaders, and scholars.

Our College

  • Established in 1968, the Reich College of Education is one of App State’s oldest colleges.
  • Home to five departments and Appalachian’s first doctoral program.
  • Enrolls 2,400+ students annually across bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees.
  • Graduates approximately 400–500 teachers annually, with at least one RCOE graduate working in nearly every North Carolina county.

Our Mission

The Reich College of Education (RCOE) transforms lives through meaningful collaborative relationships. We invest in student, family and community success. We foster academic rigor and relevance, sustainable practices, and opportunities for local to global service and engagement. 

Affirmed by RCOE Administrative Council, October 2, 2018

RCOE provides a well-balanced program of classroom and clinical experiences that:

  • Deliver rigorous, high-quality programs to challenge faculty and students.
  • Create bold, innovative initiatives that address emerging educational needs.
  • Integrate multicultural and global perspectives across programs.
  • Engage in partnerships with schools, communities, and professional organizations.
  • Prepare equity-minded educators who are ready to lead and serve.

Our Vision

The vision of RCOE is to enhance practice in the fields of education and human services by preparing graduates for leadership and outstanding service; partnering with the local, regional, national, and international community to identify and address educational and community needs; and cultivating deeper and broader understandings through research and theory development. 

We view ourselves as a collaborative community of practice, which promotes excellence in teaching, learning, research, scholarship, and outreach, with a particular emphasis on global engagement, cross-cultural understanding, and civic responsibility. 

To fulfill this vision, the RCOE engages traditional and non-traditional students in rigorous and relevant coursework that utilizes cutting-edge technologies, innovative and collaborative research and theory, culturally-relevant instruction, and robust career-based activity.

Points of Pride

  • Preparing educators since 1899 — one of the largest teacher preparation programs in North Carolina.
  • Lab schools: The Academy at Middle Fork creates opportunities for innovation and community impact.
  • North Carolina Teaching Fellows: App State is a partner in this merit-based program to support future educators.
  • Beginning Teacher Support Program: Serves 155 teachers in 13 districts with dedicated coaching and mentorship.
  • Principal Fellows Program: Preparing and supporting the state’s next generation of school leaders.

Focus on Student Success

  • Academic Programs: 5 undergraduate majors, 12 graduate majors, 1 doctoral program.
  • Top Major: Elementary Education is among App State’s top 10 most popular degrees.
  • Scholarships: $900,000+ awarded to over 200 students in 2025-2026
  • Class Sizes: Undergraduate (27), Graduate (15), Doctoral (10).
  • Recognition: Ranked 1st of Top 50 Alma Maters by Total Number of National Board Certified Teachers for 2025, tenth consecutive year.
  • Programs of Distinction: Scholars with Diverse Abilities Program (SDAP) supports students with intellectual disabilities.
  • STEM Support: The Mathematics and Science Education Center provides thousands of classroom resources for teachers across the region.

Award-Winning Faculty and Alumni

  • $1.4 million U.S. Department of Labor grant addresses the special education workforce crisis in partnership with regional schools.
  • Child Development Program honored at the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Zaentz Innovation Challenge.
  • Faculty and alumni are recognized statewide and nationally, from hurricane recovery efforts to leading equity in education.

The Reich College of Education builds on a proud past to prepare educators who will shape the future.