THIS PROGRAM IS DESIGNED for:

• Those seeking an initial teaching license and/or a bachelor's degree in education;
• K-12 staff, such as paraprofessionals or instructional assistants, career changers, and others who are interested in a teaching license; or
• Those currently in an education program at an Oregon community college

Students who currently hold a bachelor’s degree in a major outside of education or an AAOT degree with pre-education coursework at an Oregon community college can complete the program in two years.

Please see the Admissions Requirements section for a full description.

Requirements

Degree Requirements

This major is available as a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree, as defined in the section on degree requirements for all majors in this catalog.

Elementary Education Generalist Endorsement 

• Apply research from multiple learning theories in the development of praxis, including classroom community and culturally responsive teaching.
• Demonstrate competence in professional dispositions of the discipline.
• Demonstrate the ability to think critically and write clearly within the discipline.

OREGON PRELIMINARY TEACHING LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• Degree in an approved major
• Clinical practice/clinical hours
• Successful completion of one Teacher Candidate Performance Assessment
• Passing scores on TSPC required exams
• Minimum 2.750 GPA in cumulative, major, and licensure coursework
• No grade lower than a C in major and licensure coursework
• Recommendations from Linfield University supervisors and mentor teachers
• Recommendation from Linfield University Education Department

The Linfield University Teacher Education Program is accredited by the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission of Oregon (TSPC), which expects Linfield students to understand and abide by the TSPC administrative rule concerning the Standards for Competent and Ethical Performance of Oregon Educators (OAR 584-020), which states in part, “The ethical educator in fulfilling obligations to the profession will maintain the dignity of the profession by respecting and obeying the law [and] exemplifying personal integrity and honesty.” Linfield University’s Teacher Education Program (TEP) achieved national accreditation at the initial-licensure level from the CAEP from April 2021 - June 2028. CAEP Initial-Licensure Level Accreditation is provided at the baccalaureate or post-baccalaureate levels leading to initial licensure, certification or endorsement that are designed to develop P-12 teachers.  Students are expected to meet Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) Standards and Linfield Education Department Professional Characteristics and Professional Conduct Expectations throughout the program. Concerns will be documented and acted upon, as needed, via a Plan of Assistance. Requirements for licensure are subject to changes mandated by TSPC. Students should work closely with Education Department faculty in planning their program of study and must meet with their education advisor every semester prior to registration. Failure to do so may result in being administratively withdrawn from education courses. Decisions regarding a student’s official status in the Teacher Education Program may be appealed through the University Academic Grievance Process. Students may request special consideration for education requirements by completing an Education Department Petition. Students applying for teaching licenses in states other than Oregon are themselves responsible for obtaining requirements in those states.