Introduction

Last modified: 19. October 2022

The roots of teacher training in Kaposvár date back as early as the 19th century. Initially a training facility for the Calvinist denomination, then founded by contemporary minister of religion and public education Baron József Eötvös, this state institute started operation in 1869. In 1975 the institute of teacher training was declared a college. College level training of kindergarten teachers was introduced in 1982 as was the training of special teachers, while infant and early childhood education BA entered in 2014. The facility is situated in the landscaped area of one of Hungary’s most beautiful University campuses, with lecture halls, a library, labs, seminar rooms and a sports hall equipped to meet the challenges of the 21st century. 

The Institute of Education plays a leading role in teacher training in the region, and we provide a significant proportion of the supply of teachers. The training portfolio of the Institute is also outstanding and unique in the national context. The courses available in the field of teacher training offer the entire range of early childhood education. With early childhood education, kindergarten teacher and teaching majors, we cover the preparation for the education of children aged 0‒12, which is supplemented by special pedagogy covering all age groups. A master's degree in educational science and children's culture is based on these BA courses, and those interested can choose from a number of postgraduate courses. MATE Institute of Education is the only one in the country where a full range of teacher training BA and subsequent master’s programmes concerning early childhood and special education is offered in the same place. In line with our training offer, the research of the Institute's lecturers focuses primarily on the development opportunities and development methods of children aged 0‒12 years. 

Our teacher training traditions oblige us to respond sensitively and flexibly to changes in public education, to preserve the practice-oriented character of the programme, and to strive for excellent standards by supporting our training with applied and developmental research. Our work is characterized by student-centeredness and a family-like attitude. In addition to professional knowledge, the appeal of the Institute of Education lies in the quality of personal relationships and the relaxed atmosphere of the Campus.

Prof. Dr. Józsa Krisztián
Director of Institute