The QAED was established in 1959 as the Education Extension Centre to provide professional development for teachers. In 2006, it took control of the PITE and GCETs. Its scope expanded from 12 districts in 2006 to include all 36 districts by 2012. Its mission is to enhance quality of learning in government schools through teacher development. The vision is to develop knowledgeable, committed, and ethical education personnel. It operates through the Directorate of Staff Development, district and cluster training centres, and projects like CPD, ECE, IT labs, libraries, and degrees.