History

A heritage of education and the establishment of the Dreeben School of Education

Early Years

The University of the Incarnate Word has a long history in education that started nearly 150 years ago when its founders, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, began caring for and teaching writing and math to children left orphaned by a cholera outbreak in San Antonio. Soon after, the Sisters began training teachers for emerging schools. In 1881, the Sisters obtained a charter from the State of Texas to operate schools and confer baccalaureate degrees, and Incarnate Word College would soon be established.

Since its earliest days, teaching has played a vital role in our community and been central to our Mission. As early as 1929, Incarnate Word College began accepting graduates of hospital training programs who wanted to become teachers. In 1941, students began receiving training to teach Christian doctrine to children who could not afford a formal Catholic school education. With the passing of the Gilmer-Aiken Minimum Foundation Bill in the 1950s, teachers were required to have a bachelor's degree to pursue certification. Incarnate Word College then introduced the Bachelor of Science in Education and began encouraging students to pursue more advanced degrees. In 1958, the college received recognition by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education. The 1970s would see the Master of Education and Master of Arts in Child Care established as well as continuing education courses and an honors program.

As the University evolved over decades, its focus on education would strengthen. The Department of Education at the College of Professional Studies at Incarnate Word College would later become the Dreeben School of Education at the University of the Incarnate Word.