Making a Difference: A History of the Auckland College of Education 1881-2004

This comprehensive history of the Auckland College of Education (ACE) was commissioned to celebrate 125 years of teacher education in Auckland and the 2005 merger of ACE and the University of Auckland. Making a Difference recounts the history of ACE, sets the College’s story in the wider context and highlights repeated themes. Attention is given to the voices of students and especially to the college leaders, using oral history interviews as well as written documents. Although intended for the general reader, there is also material here that academics can use to support and develop theories in education. Key issues covered by the book include attitudes towards women students (and teachers), the inclusion of Maori, the relationship between ACE and the university, the contest for control between politicians (local and national) and the teaching profession, and the enculturation of student teachers as respectable members of the community. The audience for Making a Difference will include all former students and staff of the Colleges of Education as well as everyone interested in educational history and changing patterns in teacher education. It will be a valuable reference text in institutional and other libraries.