The term "normal school" was initially used to describe institutions established in the 19th century for the training of teachers. Nowadays, there are several synonyms that are used interchangeably for this term. One of the most common ones is "teacher training college," which depicts institutions that solely exist to provide rigorous education and training for aspiring teachers. Another synonym is "teachers' college," which often refers to post-secondary institutions that combine aspects of a liberal arts education with teacher training. Additionally, "education college" or "education faculty" denotes institutions that offer programs in pedagogy, curriculum development, and school administration. Finally, "pedagogical institute" or "teacher preparation program" describe institutions that work towards preparing future educators for the challenges of the classroom.