Applying to the Teacher Education Program

You must make formal application to the Teacher Education Program. Application should be made when you declare a major. This must be no later than pre-registration for your fifth semester AND prior to enrolling in EDU 221: Educational Psychology. You are encouraged to talk with department faculty prior to making official application because individual programs may require earlier planning to complete all requirements. See student forms for all relevant forms.  

Requirements for Entrance to the Teacher Education Program

  1. Completion of 10 hours of field experience, usually completed in EDU 101 or through arrangement with an education professor.
  2. Reading and writing proficiency demonstrated by a score of 290 or better on the English section of the College BASE (Basic Academic Subject Examination) and 8 satisfactory completion (grade of C or better) of the first year tutorial or a designated writing course.
  3. Mathematics proficiency, demonstrated by a score of 290 or better on the College BASE.  
  4. Basic computer literacy, demonstrated by completion of the tutorial.
  5. Ability to handle college level work demonstrated by maintaining appropriate academic standards (in good academic standing) and faculty recommendation.
  6. Good citizenship in the college community, demonstrated by maintaining appropriate personal standards (in good standing for personal conduct and academic honesty) and faculty recommendation.
  7. Interest in and potential to work with children or adolescents, demonstrated by student’s personal statement and faculty recommendation.
  8. Ability to complete required coursework, demonstrated by adhering to the four year plan of study.

The College BASE

The College BASE (Basic Academic Subject Examination) is a test of basic skills in the general areas of English and mathematics. Students need a minimum score of 290 out of 500 in each area to be accepted into the Teacher Education Program. The College BASE will be given on the Grinnell campus every year, at the start of the second semester. There is a fee for the exam. Preparation materials for the exam are available through the Steiner office. Students should try to take the exam in their sophomore year. Students who are entitled to accommodations in their Grinnell classes will be entitled to similar accommodations on the College BASE. Students may retake the exam. The reason for retaking the exam should be discussed with an Education faculty member, and if necessary, an individualized plan to address areas of concern will be developed.

Faculty Advising

Once you have been accepted into the Teacher Education Program, you will be assigned to an education adviser on the basis of your subject area interest. Faculty members advise students in the faculty members’ areas of expertise (English, biology, etc.). Ultimately you are responsible to make sure that you take the courses you need, but having an adviser who is familiar with particular requirements is helpful.  If you prefer, you may request a particular professor for your adviser. As long as you remain in the program, you will need to see both your major adviser and your Education adviser at registration and get the signature of both advisers on your registration card.