Teachers College at Columbia University began in 1880 when Grade Dodge, a philanthropist, created a "kitchen garden" in the area known today as Greenwich Village. This school taught skills such as sewing, cooking, hygiene, and other practical arts to immigrant women in dire financial situations. Dodge developed a deep understanding of her students and valued their backgrounds. She also learned to present different types of teaching material in meaningful ways.
In 1887, Columbia University philosopher Nicholas Murray Butler helped to grow the “kitchen garden,” which evolved into a new school dedicated to teacher education. In 1892, a board of trustees of New York’s most influential philanthropist families named it the Teachers College. Today, Teachers College serves as the Ivy League university's graduate school of education, health, and psychology. It is one of the oldest and largest graduate schools in the U.S.
Teachers College at Columbia University currently offers five graduate degrees: Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Education (Ed.M), Master of Science (M.S.), Doctor of Education (Eh.D.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). These degrees are in over sixty programs of study covering social sciences, health and health promotion, educational policy, technology, international and comparative education, and educational leadership.
As of Fall 2021, Teachers College at Columbia University has a total enrollment of 5,816 students, 3,220 of whom are full-time, and the part-time enrollment is 2,596. The enrolled population at Teachers College at Columbia University is 35.5% White, 13.7% Asian, 11.9% Hispanic or Latino, 9.09% Black or African American, 2.52% Two or More Races, 0.125% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.0416% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders.
With over 90,000+ alumni worldwide, here are some of Teachers College at Columbia University's most notable members: Mary Antin, immigration rights activist and author of The Promised Land, John Dewey (Philosopher), Art Garfunkel (Singer), Dr. Ruth (Sex Therapist), Carl Rogers (Psychologist), Margaret Mead (Anthropologist), Bill Campbell (Businessman), Georgia O’Keeffe (Artist), Edward Thorndike (Psychologist), and Lee Huan (Premier of the Republic of China).
There are eight interconnected buildings at Teachers College at Columbia University, all of which are located on the 120th street block between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue. The prime location makes the campus easily accessible via buses and trains, including the 1 train at the 116th Street station and the M4, M5, M11, and M104 buses at West 120th Street and Broadway (Teachers College).
There are five residence halls for students at Teachers College at Columbia University. First is Bancroft Hall, located at 509 W 121st Street. Grant and Sarasota Halls are located at 514 and 512 W 122nd Street. Both these resident halls are for single-student and family housing. New Residence Hall opened in 2004 as a modern building on 517 W 121st St., with in total 252 units, all with private bathrooms. Lastly, located at 1230 Amsterdam Ave, Whittier Hall offers several room types for students to choose from. The cost ranges from $5,357 to $11,664, depending on the floor plan.
Given its prime location in Manhattan, many Teachers College students choose to live off-campus. Some of the most popular neighborhoods among students who choose to rent on their own include West Harlem, the Upper West Side, Washington Heights, and Central Harlem.
For those interested in finding housing near Teachers College at Columbia University, check out RentHop’s annual Median Subway Rent Map to find more information on average rental prices by major subway stops close to the school.
Teachers College is close to major parks, such as Riverside Park and Morningside Park. It is also in close proximity to some of the most well-known landmarks in New York City, including the Fort Clinton site from the American Revolution War and General Grant Memorial, the largest mausoleum in the nation. Other nearby landmarks include the Cathedral of St John The Divine, the Amiable Child Monument, the Riverside Drive Viaduct, the Apollo Theater, and the Studio Museum.
Thanks to its location, Teachers College students can enjoy various food options, from BBQ to Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken. Some of the most popular restaurants around the campus include Tsion Cafe for Ethiopian cuisine, Oso for Mexican, and Dinosaur Bar-B-Que.