The College offers programs leading to state licensure in elementary- and secondary-school teaching. Courses serving as an introduction to teaching, with emphasis on the philosophical and psychological foundations of education, are available to students who wish to train elsewhere after graduation from Grinnell. Those interested in later study for such graduate degrees as the master of arts in teaching find this introductory work useful.

Grinnell considers the education of teachers to be a liberal endeavor and encourages students to develop a broad background in the arts and sciences as well as a deep knowledge of the subjects they will teach. The courses in education are a special component of the student's liberal education. For students who wish to complete their liberal arts curriculum during the standard eight semesters, then continue with education and practice-teaching, Grinnell has implemented a ninth-semester program. The College provides each student in the program with an interest-free loan for ninth-semester tuition and fees. If a student can show evidence of having taught a minimum of one school year full time within three years in an accredited elementary or secondary school, the loan will be forgiven.