Join us in shaping the future.
With over 80 expert faculty members and 45 talented graduate assistants, we bring together diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise to address the most complex and enduring challenges in education and beyond. Our work spans a wide range of fields, including teacher education, language and literacy, deaf studies, special education, school and educational psychology, audiology and speech pathology, interdisciplinary early childhood education, STEM education, educational data science, and learning design and technology.
We believe that by working collaboratively, we can create meaningful change and inspire the next generation of learners and leaders. Whether you’re a student, educator, or community member, we invite you to join us in this important work. Together, we can shape the future.
Thank you for visiting our website—we’re excited to connect with you!
One Department. Three Units. Limitless Possibilities.
TPTE recently revised its structure to make clear our rich array of program offerings and to better meet the needs of our students. This three-unit structure creates greater space for multidisciplinary collaboration. TPTE is now organized along three units:
Interdisciplinary Learning and Teaching (ILT) in Early Childhood, Design & Technology, and STEM
Language, Culture, & Teacher Education
Special Education & Applied Learning Sciences (SEALS)
We create and question ideas that shape the future.
Each of the three units is led by a Unit Lead and consists of an average of 20 faculty members across several complementary degree programs and centers that serve our students and communities on a firsthand level. Our teacher licensing programs span all three units with advising support for prospective students from the College advising and licensing team. Elementary education, cultural studies, and most of our middle school/secondary teacher education programs are included as part of the Language, Culture, and Teacher Education Unit. Early childhood programs, STEM education, and Learning, Design, and Technology programs are part of the Interdisciplinary Learning and Teaching (ILT) Unit, allowing partnerships that integrate STEM learning and learning design across the lifespan. The Special Education & Applied Learning Sciences (SEALS) Unit encourages a multi-faceted, collaborative pathway within the expanding fields of special education, school psychology, and educational psychology.
This department organization provides a platform for programs to thrive and to focus our work on students and communities.
Ready to Learn More?
Want to join us on Rocky Top? Search all of our available programs by clicking below.