St. Thomas College of Teacher Education, Pala, Kerala was established in 1957 by the Catholic Diocese of Palai with the prime objective of preparing efficient and committed teachers for our country, with special emphasis on their moral growth and development. The motto of the institution 'LUX AD ILLUMINANDUM' means 'LIGHT TO ENLIGHTEN'. The college is recognized by the UGC under section 2(f) and 12 (B) of the Act and also by NCTE. The institution was conferred Minority Status by the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions in 2010 (F.No.823 of 2010/47236 dtd 16.11.2010). The College was accredited in the year 2000 by NAAC at **** level. The re-accredited with A+ grade by NAAC in 2007 (with an institutional score of 92) and reaccredited (third cycle in 2014) with A Grade by NAAC. The College is a co-educational institution admitting 50 students to the B. Ed. course (Aided stream) under six optional subjects; Commerce, Mathematics, Social science, English, Natural science and Physical science education through a centralized admission procedure laid down by the MG University, Kottayam. Besides the B.Ed. programme, the college admits 50 students for D.El.Ed and M.Ed (Unaided). The college is a recognised research centre in Education approved by Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam.