The Karelian State Pedagogical Academy was the first higher educational institution in Karelia. The establishment of the Karelian State Pedagogical Institute (as it was named back then) in November of 1931 laid the basis of higher education in Karelia. The first enrollment at the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics was 48 students. In 1996 the educational institution changed its status to a university.
Formation of a teacher is conducted to develop his/her potential using educational and scientific facilities and unique traditions of educating professional pedagogues.
KSPA actively cooperates with the Academy of Sciences, thus introducing fundamental science and enhancing the educational process's knowledge content. The Academy today is the institution that addresses cutting-edge challenges in education. The motto guides us - Pedagogical education is the education of a specific purpose. The Academy graduates can utilize acquired knowledge both in teaching at school and in many other fields. They are ready to face life challenges.
At the moment, 3,500 students undergo a full-time course of study and 1,500 students – extra-mural courses at ten faculties at the Academy studying on 18 majors. There are 38 departments at the Academy, research sector, postgraduate studies (aspirantura) on 19 majors. One hundred fourteen postgraduate students (aspirants) study at the Academy (according to 2008 data). Fifty-six persons are candidates for degrees. 62% of lecturers have academic degrees and ranks, including 12% are Doctors of Science, Professors, eight persons are Academicians of various Russian and foreign Academies of Science, over 110 faculty members, hold the titles of Honoured Science Worker of the Russian Federation of the Republic of Karelia, Honoured Culture Worker of RF or RK, Honoured Physical Culture Worker of RF or RK, Honoured Higher Education Worker of Russia.
KSPA hosts two regional Dissertation Councils (Doctorate and Candidate of Science), up to 15 scientific conferences per year, tens of implemented grants it issues publications (about 80 editions), scientific works, monographs and manuals, approved by the Ministry of Education of Russia. Hundreds of articles in established editions were written by KSPA workers. The Academy students have won different contests. KSPA collaborates with many universities, scientific centers, and educational institutions. KSPA has modern educational facilities: 120 specialized laboratories and studies, the Center of New Information Technologies, Educational TV laboratory, museums, library holding about half a million volumes, recreational facilities, modern hostels, scientific laboratories, and the like. Thirty-three thousand one hundred ninety specialists had graduated from the Academy till 2008. Many of them are successful teachers, state officials, scientists, principals, and heads of other educational institutions, artists, athletes. 70% of the teachers in the Republic of Karelia are graduates of the Academy.
The international image of KSPA is determined by its relations with many of France, Sweden, Norway, the USA, and Finland. The Academy and its Departments successfully participate in numerous international projects and programs, conduct students' exchange with foreign educational institutions. Annually KSPA hosts various international scientific forums, conferences, and seminars. The Academy has participated and coordinated various international projects granted by the European Commission, the Nordic Council of Ministers, the Norwegian Barents Secretariat, SIDA, CIMO, Ford Foundation, Soros Foundation, and other donors.
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