Háskólakennsluskólar

Háskólakennsluskólar are higher education institutions or university faculties dedicated to the preparation of teachers and the study of pedagogy. They provide professional education for future educators at the primary and secondary levels and offer specializations such as early childhood education, special education, and subject-specific pedagogy. The institutes combine theoretical coursework with supervised teaching practice, typically leading to bachelor's degrees and, in many cases, master's degrees and teacher certification. They also conduct research on education, develop curricula, assessment methods, and educational technologies, and provide ongoing professional development for practicing teachers.

Organization and programs are usually housed within a faculty or department of education at a university. Departments may cover educational psychology, curriculum studies, inclusive education, literacy, mathematics education, science education, and language education, among others. Partnerships with local schools are central to training, providing practicum placements and collaboration on school improvement projects.

Status and variations: In different education systems, teacher training may be organized as a stand-alone college or as an integrated university faculty. Since the Bologna Process, many háskólakennsluskólar offer coordinated bachelor’s and master’s programs and emphasize research-based training and reflection on practice.

In Iceland, the term has been used to describe university-based teacher education units within the broader háskóla system. They are responsible for training teachers for Iceland’s compulsory education system, aligning with national standards while engaging with international educational research and policy developments.