The college was originally established as a Higher Institute for Teacher Training by virtue of the General People's Committee (formerly) Resolution No. (115) of the year 1997 AD, issued on September 13, 1997 AD, which stipulated the establishment of higher institutes for teacher training with the aim of supplying basic and secondary education institutions with qualified teachers. The Higher Institute for Teacher Training - Derna effectively commenced its studies in the academic year 1997/1998 on November 15, 1997 AD, with a four-year study system granting graduates a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in their respective specializations.
Subsequently, the former General People's Committee Resolution No. (203) of the year 2004 AD was issued, stipulating the affiliation of higher institutes to universities and their renaming as Faculties of Teacher Training. This included the Higher Institute for Teacher Training - Derna, which was annexed to the University of Derna under the name Faculty of Teacher Training.
In the year 2007 AD, the former General People's Committee Resolution No. (535) of the year 2007 AD was issued regarding the reorganization of Libyan universities and the stipulation of some related provisions. According to this resolution, the Faculties of Teacher Training were renamed as Faculties of Education, including the Faculty of Education - Derna. The Faculty has defined its primary objective as preparing scientifically and professionally qualified teachers in various academic disciplines to meet the needs of basic and secondary education in the city of Derna and its surrounding areas.
At the beginning of its academic journey during the academic year 1997/1998 AD, the college initiated its activities with the departments of (Arabic Language and English Language). In the following year, the college witnessed a qualitative addition with the establishment of the departments of (Mathematics and Physics). Inspired by the spirit of scientific development and in pursuit of serving the nation and society, the college expanded the scope of its specializations by adding new academic departments, bringing the total number of departments to twelve, including: Arabic Language, English Language, Elementary Teacher, Kindergarten, Physical Education, Special Education, Islamic Studies, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Computer Science. This richness in specializations, which remains open to horizons of growth and development, allows students after completing secondary education a wide space to achieve their academic aspirations and choose the field that interests them, in accordance with their qualifications and their fulfillment of the admission and placement criteria specified for each department.