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Elementary Education

The elementary program has been carefully designed to provide teacher candidates with the necessary knowledge, skills and experiences to be successful teachers in preschool through 6th grade.

From the introductory class forward (ED 271) students learn theories, practice skills and create their own vision of effective teaching. Class sizes are small so that students can see good teaching modeled, practice strategies, receive feedback and reflect on their emerging practice. The courses and clinical experiences are sequential and build upon one another as students progress through the program.

Hope College teacher candidates in the elementary program are equipped to teach all subjects (literacy, mathematics, science and social studies) in two grade bands: PK–3 and 3–6. Students each select a primary grade band where they will student teach.

Students in the elementary track may also choose (but are not required) to add one of the following majors, minors or endorsements:

Four-Year Plans

Prior to being admitted to the education department, each student meets with an elementary advisor to create a 4-year plan that includes all of the necessary Anchor Plan and major/minor requirements. During this meeting, students will be asked to consider the question: Who do you want to teach? The answer to this will dictate which plan is created.

Who Do You Want to Teach?

Elementary students: PK–3/3–6 Program
The little ones: PK–3/3–6 plus the Early Childhood minor
Students whose first language is not English: PK–3/3–6 plus the ESL minor
Students with exceptionalities: PK-3/3-6 plus the LD or EI endorsement
Students in a Spanish immersion program: PK–3/3–6 plus the K–12 Spanish major

Students meet with their advisor each semester to review the plan and ensure that the student is “on track” to graduate. Because the program is designed so that the courses build upon one another, it is imperative that students follow their plan. Sample plans can be found below: