College Programs for Teaching and Education

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! While we celebrate teachers’ hard work all year long, teacher appreciation week is a special time to recognize educators going above and beyond. Teaching is a difficult, but extremely rewarding profession. Many colleges allow students to major in education and work towards a teacher’s certificate so that they may start a career in teaching right after graduation. Here are some of the nation’s top undergraduate programs in teaching and education! Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH Dartmouth offers undergraduates a minor in human development and education, and a teaching certificate from their Teacher Education Program (TEP). In addition to working in classrooms as a part of TEP, students may also work with schools through a variety of campus clubs and organizations that focus on tutoring, afterschool activities, and youth mentoring. Miami University, Oxford, OH Miami of Ohio has one of the most comprehensive teaching programs in the nation. Their five departments within the school of education are educational leadership, educational psychology, family studies and social work, kinesiology and health, and teacher education. Each department offers programs in graduate and undergraduate study, and students may work towards classroom positions during their time at Miami as well. Additionally, students are encouraged to take their teaching skills international by studying abroad either during the year or over the summer. Davidson College, Davidson, NC Students may earn a teaching license or certificate during their undergraduate career at Davidson, or even major in a course of study known as interdisciplinary concentration in education. Within that major, students take courses in history, psychology, sociology, teaching, and more to gain a well-rounded liberal arts background in education. Grinnell College, Grinnell, IA Grinnell offers students the opportunity to earn a teaching license in a variety of subjects, as well as a special program in student teaching. Undergraduates may participate in Grinnell’s Ninth-Semester Program in which students return after graduation for a final semester to be student teachers. This semester is tuition free a long as students who choose this option commit to teaching full-time for three years following their time in the program. University of California-Berkeley, Berkeley, CA Berkeley’s undergraduate minor in education as well as their field study program provide students with an excellent introduction into the world of teaching. Students may continue their studies in one of Berkeley’s many graduate programs including policy and organizational research, leadership for educational equity, and school psychology. Education Undergraduates is a student organization on campus dedicated to connecting students with other future educators, creating a dialogue about education issues, and providing a connection between students and department heads. Ever thought about a career in teaching? counselors can help you target best-fit schools and identify initiatives you could be taking while you’re still in high school to pursue this passion!