/ Education Department

Accreditation

The Hope College Teacher Education Program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), and all programs are approved by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). CAEP completed a formal review and site visit of the Hope College Teacher Preparation Program in February 2019. The next accreditation review occurs in 2026.

The Education Department offers accredited program for initial licensure in the following areas:

Elementary Education (K-8 certification) Secondary Education (6-12 certification) K-12 Education
  • Early Childhood
  • English Language Arts
  • Integrated Science Composite
  • Mathematics
  • Social Studies Composite

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Earth Science
  • English
  • French
  • German
  • History
  • Integrated Science Composite
  • Latin
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Social Studies Composite
  • English as a Second Language (ESL)
  • Music- Instrumental
  • Music- Vocal
  • Physical Education/Health
  • Spanish
  • Special Education (Emotional Impairments)
  • Special Education (Learning Disabilities)
  • Visual Arts

In addition to the above programs, the Hope College Department of Education began a new elementary program that aligns with the changes in the certification structure of the Michigan Department of Education. The secondary course of study is presently under revisions as well and will begin with incoming freshman in the fall of 2023. The  Hope College Department of Education is now offering the following elementary programs. Candidates are encouraged to take both programs to increase their marketability after graduation.

  • PK–3rd grade
  • 3rd–6th grade

To be certified to teach, candidates must fulfill all degree requirements, achieve a passing score on the appropriate Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC), and complete CPR and First Aid training. In addition, world language candidates must pass the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Oral Proficiency Exam (OPI) with a minimum score of advanced low.