Driestar University of Teacher Education

Driestar Educatief is a centre of knowledge for Christian education. In 1944 we started a small Reformed teacher training college. Since then we have grown into a University of Professional education that specialises in the training of both primary and secondary teachers. In 2005 this institution merged with an educational support centre.

Driestar Educatief is an institution with three departments and has 325 staff members. Our ambition is to offer programmes that are up-to-date and in touch with teaching practice. All our programmes have been ranked between first and fifth on the national rating lists for teacher training programmes. Special educational needs is one of our areas of expertise. We are closely involved with several primary schools and nurture a close relationship with practitioners in the field, and because of this involvement we know what matters to teachers in their classrooms.

Driestar Hogeschool, part of Driestar Educatief, is a small-scale university with around 1,500 students. Our ambition is to offer programmes that are up-to-date and in touch with current teaching practice. Our programmes have all been ranked between first and fifth on the national rating lists for teacher training programmes. We offer several programmes.

At Driestar Educatief, all work is inspired by our conviction that the Bible is the everlasting and vital Source. It gives us basic principles for teaching and education. We feel called to evaluate all trends in education according to biblical guidelines and we hope to voice a (Protestant) Christian and (biblical) Reformed view on education in society. In a society where man himself has become the norm, we take this responsibility very seriously.

We do educational research by evaluating theories (theoretical concepts) and then make them applicable to teachers in the field. We believe that knowledge can only be developed by working together with teachers and other practitioners and by cooperating with our partners (across national and cultural borders).

Driestar Educatief is an educational institution with a mission. We as Driestar Educatief inspire, educate and support (student) teachers and schools providing education based on Reformed Christian principles.

• Our ideal school
• Provides Christian education.
• Is the ideal workplace for the Christian teacher.
• Is where pupils can learn in an inspiring environment
• Is a school where children with special needs receive special care and attention.
• Has excellent leadership and is managed well.
• Views parents as (one of) the most important partner(s) in education and supports parents in raising their families.

Students have set up an activities committee, with the intention bring students into contact with each other by entertaining and/or inspirational events. This contributes to closer solidarity and a better atmosphere at Driestar University. The student activities committee organises events, such as:

• (Hymn) singing
• Politics
• Inspirational meetings
• Meals (i.e. New-Year’s get-together)
• Sports

Each of the events is organised by two to four student, and in the singing events additional volunteers play musical instruments or lead the singing. Each term we try to organise two singing events and one inspirational meeting. We also aim to organise an evening with a political theme, a sporting event and a meal together at least twice a year.