All teacher education candidates complete coursework that leads to either an:
Early Childhood Education (Elementary Ed. Pre-Professional & Professional Coursework) or
Elementary Education (Elementary Ed. Pre-Professional & Professional Coursework) or
Secondary Education (Secondary Ed. Pre-Professional & Professional Coursework) teaching certificate. In addition, they complete content area majors and minors that further prepare them to teach.

IMPORTANT: Either IDS 200 - Encounter with Cultures or AES 210 - Introduction to Ethnic Studies is required of all students seeking teaching certification through the Hope College Education Department. It also fully meets the General Education diversity requirement.

MAJORS & MINORS

EARLY CHILDHOOD

Students entering Hope
beginning FALL of 2010
MUST select from this
"new" elementary program
click here

Students who entered Hope
in 2009
(or prior to 2009)
click here

click here

Major Declaration Form (pdf)
Minor Declaration Form (pdf)

In order to be certified, all teacher education candidates must pass required content tests (MTTC). To access specific test objectives and registration information, click here.

History Education Major/Political Science Education Major vs. Social Studies Group Major:
Students are strongly urged to complete the Social Studies Group Major with a minor in either History or Political Science. Teacher education candidates are advised against simply completing a major solely in one content area (i.e., History or Political Science).

Kinesiology Education Majors:
To increase your employability options, Kinesiology majors are STRONGLY encouraged to take the Health Education minor. This minor will be offered at Hope College while State approval is pending.

Science Education Majors:
To increase employability options, Science majors are STRONGLY encouraged to take a SCIENCE minor (e.g., Chemistry major with a Physics minor). Candidates should be aware there is also a nationwide shortage of certified Physics teachers.

Special Education (Secondary Certificate):
Teacher education candidates pursuing secondary certification with an endorsement in Learning Disabilities or Emotional Impairments should plan to also complete a minor in English or Mathematics. There is a significant need for candidates who are highly qualified in these areas.