How do I get started in the education sequence?

Professional Education Sequence

Because students at Hope College do not "major" in Education, but instead complete major and minor course work in academic areas, they must also complete a professional sequence of courses within the Teacher Education Program. These courses provide the basis for certification to teach in the State of Michigan. The Professional Education Sequence consists of carefully sequenced classes that prepare teacher candidates with the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to make professional decisions in a changing world. The course work, totaling 33-37 credit hours, is arranged in three levels and generally spread over a four-year period.

Level I - Choosing Teaching

A number of courses in the professional education sequence have been designated as beginning level courses. They explore the profession and encourage students to determine if they want to pursue teaching as a vocation. Students generally take these courses during the freshman and sophomore years and may enroll prior to admission to the Teacher Education Program.

Each course in the professional education sequence is accompanied by a related field placement. At Level I, students are invited to take what is learned in the college classroom and explore how this plays out in the school setting. Successful recommendations from the field placement mentors are required for admission to the Teacher Education Program. The State of Michigan also requires all teacher candidates to demonstrate competency in basic skills (reading, mathematics and writing). One condition of admission to the Teacher Education Program is passing scores in all three areas of the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC)-Basic Skills Test. Students are encouraged to complete this test during the freshman or sophomore year, prior to applying for admission to the Teacher Education Program. The test is generally offered three to four times each year. Registration booklets are available in the Education Department office. (Further information about the Basic Skills Test can be found in Section I.G. of the Education Department Handbook.)

Level II - Learning to Teach

Courses and field placements at Level II focus increasingly on the "how's" of teaching. Students learn about curricular decisions, lesson formats, planning, classroom and behavior management, materials, and accommodations/modifications. These courses require admission to the Teacher Education Program and are usually taken during the junior/senior years.

Level III - Applying Teaching

The final level in the Teacher Education Program usually occurs during the senior year when students complete the student teaching assignment. Students must apply to and be accepted into the student teaching program. (The application process and specific requirements for admittance are described on this web page under "Admission to the Teacher Education Program.)

At some point prior to certification, all candidates must pass the MTTC subject area tests in the major and minor areas of study (not including the substantive minor). Most students take the MTTC subject area tests during their final semester, although the tests may be taken at any point prior to certification. These tests are generally offered three to four times each year. Registration booklets are available in the Education Department Office. (Further information about the subject area tests can be found in Section I.J. of the Education Department Handbook.)

Graduation/Certification

Meeting these departmental, college and state requirements allows students to graduate from Hope College and subsequently apply for certification to teach in the State of Michigan. (Procedures for teacher certification are explained in Section I.J. of the Education Department Handbook.)