Government College of Education, Coimbatore

Government College of Education has been a beacon of excellence in the field of teacher education for the past 59 years since its establishment in 1956. Throughout its long history, the college has been dedicated to fulfilling the aspirations of meritorious yet economically disadvantaged students from rural areas. The college's commitment to quality education has been recognized by distinguished visitors, including former President of India, Dr. S Radhakrishnan, and former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru K. Kamaraj. The alumni of the college have made significant contributions by serving in various schools, colleges, and the Department of Education of the State of Tamil Nadu. The college was founded in 1956 with the noble objective of promoting women's education in independent India. The inaugural ceremony was graced by the presence of Mr. T.T. Krishnamachari, the Central Minister of Industry and Commerce, and the former Education Minister of Tamil Nadu, Mr. C. Subramaniam. At its inception, the college had 75 students and 7 teacher-educators. Initially affiliated to the University of Madras, Mrs. N. Shanmugasundram served as the first Principal of the college. In 1973, the college introduced the part-time M.Ed. program, but it was later discontinued in 2000 based on instructions from the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE). In 1993, the college started offering part-time M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs. Subsequently, in 2009-10, the college introduced the full-time M.Ed. program, which received recognition from the NCTE. In terms of affiliations, the college was affiliated with Bharathiar University from 1982 to June 2007 and has been affiliated with Tamil Nadu Teachers Education University, Chennai since July 2008. In recognition of its dedication to teacher education, the Government of Tamil Nadu sanctioned four additional posts exclusively for the M.Ed. program in 2011. The college has also undergone assessments by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) during the academic years 2001-2002 and 2007-2008, and this assessment marks the beginning of the third cycle. To ensure the continuous improvement of the college, an Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) has been functioning since 2005. The IQAC conducts regular meetings to address the challenges faced by the college and develop plans to enhance its functioning. In conclusion, Government College of Education has been a pillar of excellence in the field of teacher education for nearly six decades. With a focus on providing opportunities to economically disadvantaged students from rural areas, the college has made significant contributions to the educational landscape of Tamil Nadu. Through its rigorous academic programs, distinguished faculty, and commitment to continuous improvement, the college continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of education in the state.