Tianjin Normal University, originally named Tianjin Normal College, was founded in 1958，which was formed by Tianjin Teachers' Colleges for Vocational Studies and Tianjin Farmers and Workers Speeded-Up Education Middle School. It was formally renamed Tianjin Normal University in 1982. On April 8, 1999, being authorized by Tianjin Municipal Party Committee, Tianjin Government and Ministry of Education, the university merged with Tianjin Higher Teachers Training School and Tianjin Education College into new Tianjin Normal University.

Tianjin Normal University comprises six campuses: Balitai Campus which is the headquarter of the university, Liulitai Campus, Weijin Road Campus, Gansu Road Campus, Dagu Road Campus and Yangcun Campus. Tianjin Normal University has a total area 570.1 mu, of which over 310,000 square meters are the floorage. With a floor space of 20,000 sq.m., the university's library has a collection of almost 2 million volumes and over 2200 Chinese and foreign magazines.

Tianjin Normal University has 50 specialities for short 2- to 3- year higher education and undergraduate education, among which are 20 normal specialities and 30 non-normal specialities, as well as 42 specialities for adult education. The University is entitled to confer Master's degrees in 25 programs and doctoral degrees in 4 programs. Furthermore, Tianjin Normal University, among the first group of Chinese Universities, was authorized by the Degree Commission of State Department to offer degree of Education Master.

Tianjin Normal University has 10 schools and colleges, 33 departments, 4 Teaching Programs, 3 teaching centers and 31 research institutes. The departments which will be set up include: the School of Art, the School of Politics, Law and Economy, the School of Literature, the School of Science, the School of Elementary Education, the School of Higher Vocational and Technical Education and the School of Physical Education. The university has one National Multi-Media Technology Development and Training Base, as well as one open lab serving for the nation's audio-visual education program. The university also has affiliated middle school, primary school and vocational school.

Among 1009 full-time teachers, there are 494 professors and associate professors, 11 PHD supervisors.

Following the guideline of opening to the world, Tianjin Normal University signed agreements for cooperation with over 20 universities and international academic institutions in many countries and districts.