History and Facts

The School of Pedagogy was created with the goal of preparing graduates of the University of Santa Clara in the field of high school education.

Education electives were offered in the College of Liberal Arts, as well as education classes specific for Jesuits who were identified as good high school teachers.

Education became a minor.

Dr. Edwin Brown was hired as a full-time instructor to offer the necessary professional education courses for a California State Teaching Credential. The Department of Education began to take form but remained a small teacher preparation unit.

The Department of Counseling Psychology began to take shape after guidelines were established for a credential and Master of Arts in School Counseling.

The teacher preparation program was expanded to include elementary teacher training. The counseling psychology program expanded as well, under the Department of Education, and Santa Clara began to offer training for a license in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling.

The University began offering a master's degree in Special Education with a credential.

An advanced-degree program in School Administration was started based on the recommendation of a group of Santa Clara County superintendents. 

The Department of Education became the Division of Counseling Psychology and Education. The Division offered six master's degree programs, seven credential programs, and professional enhancement workshops through a continuing professional education program. 

The Division became The School of Education, Counseling Psychology and Pastoral Ministries. The first dean was Fr. Sonny Manual, S.J. 

The School became the School of Education and Counseling Psychology. Pastoral Ministries left the School and became part of the Jesuit School of Theology. 

Dr. Nick Ladany began as the Dean of the School of Education and Counseling Psychology. The new Master of Arts in Teaching degree program was created.

Dr. Carol Gittens appointed Interim Dean of the School of Education and Counseling Psychology.

Dr. Sabrina Zirkel began as the new Dean of the School of Education and Counseling Psychology.