A Welcome Message from the Dean

“Instead of finding pleasure in making orders and laying down restrictions, give children the freedom to act.”
(Mrs. Pál Veres)

Dear Friends and Students,

Allow me to thank you for honoring the Faculty of Primary and Preschool Education (TÓK) with your attention as we celebrate the 150th anniversary of when our institution first opened its doors in Buda. The first state-sponsored teachers’ college to provide instruction in early education, our institution dedicated itself to this task in 1869, thanks to the landmark public education law championed by Hungary’s first Minister of Education, József Eötvös (1813-1871). As befits a flagship institution, TÓK has always remained true to its original mission throughout our nation’s turbulent history. Since 2000 we have continued to preserve this time-honored tradition within our capacity as an independent faculty of Eötvös Loránd University.

In 1968 TÓK expanded its profile in Primary Education instruction to include training in Preschool Education; in 2010 we broadened our program even further by offering a BA degree in Early Childhood and Infant Education. Our students can therefore immerse themselves in how to instruct and care for children from the initial, infant stage all the way to sixth grade in primary school.

Throughout the past 150 years our programs have continuously evolved to reflect the demands of a changing society while also striving to develop a professional, academic network that extends throughout the field of Childhood Education in both Hungary and abroad, from our neighboring countries to more far-flung international institutions. We take great pride in ensuring that every aspect of our training programs in continuing education contribute toward the introduction and dissemination of the latest research findings in education.

This is not to say that our highly respected traditions do not seamlessly accommodate our modern techniques: the Faculty’s aim is to encourage the kind of playful attitude, joy and openness toward others that day cares, preschools and primary schools expect to provide in the 21st century. An atmosphere of curiosity and receptivity toward science and the arts characterizes our Faculty, as is demonstrated by the richness of our degree programs: 2017 marked the addition of Drawing and Visual Culture to the subjects in which our students can specialize.

Thanks to the broad array of activities led by our staff and lecturers, our students can develop their talents in academic student circles, our Faculty choir, the Musical Stage Program or in countless other artistic, literary, theatrical and athletic programs that enrich life at TÓK. The Student Council plays a decisive role in organizing events at our institution; a brief summary of the events held at our Faculty can be found in this publication.

Eötvös Loránd University’s Faculty of Primary and Preschool Education welcomes all those who would like to benefit from the long-established traditions and spirit of innovation that makes studying at TÓK an unique experience. Our door remains open to students eager to participate in our academic work and research while enjoying the quality student life found at Eötvös Loránd University.

Dr. Éva Márkus
Dean