Division of Teacher Education

Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Education

Undergraduate initial license and post-baccalaureate initial license

Link to: Glossary of terms | Advising | Apply | Points of pride | Contact

The undergraduate program leads to a bachelor's degree. The post-baccalaureate program is for those who already hold a bachelor's degree but want to earn the first (initial) teaching license. The 48 credit hour undergraduate/post-baccalaureate program is in a full-time format, which takes four terms to complete.

Looking for classroom experience? A few volunteer opportunities:

- Tutor after school: elementary, middle and high school openings in local and nearby school districts

- Early childhood center: The Teaching Research Institute Child Development Center at WOU - Ingrid Amerson, 503-838-8769

The program meets on campus during the day for classes and also out in schools for student teaching experience. The curriculum can be entered either fall or spring term. Summer session is not utilized for these courses. During the first two terms, candidates may take an additional course outside of the professional program. During the final two terms, the rigorous professional program requires full time involvement in teacher education.

Application is due two terms before the program starts. Careful planning is required before the application deadline.

Program entry points are fall and spring

• Apply two terms in advance!
• Curriculum schedule

We offer undergraduate and post-baccalaureate initial licensure with authorization available in the following levels:

• Early Childhood - age 3 through grade 4
• Early Childhood/Elementary - age 3 through grade 8
• Elementary/Middle - grades 3 through 9
• Middle/High School - grades 5 through 12
• High School - grades 9 through 12

Glossary of terms:
- Authorization - The age/grade level a candidate will teach after receiving an initial teaching license.

- Cohort - A community of teacher candidates who move through program coursework as a group.

- Initial license - The first level of teacher licensure, valid for a limited time. It is followed by continuing licensure, which requires further education.

- Post-baccalaureate - A person who holds a bachelor's degree.

- Professional Education Core - The final terms of student teaching and educational coursework.

- Undergraduate - A person who does not have a bachelor's degree.

Note: If you already hold a bachelor's degree and want 1.) to teach at the high school level, 2.) an initial teaching license, and 3.) a master's degree, please see the WOU Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT).

Advising

The Division of Teacher Education recently revised the Professional Education Core. Changes will be phased in during the 2012-2013 academic year. The division has also implemented a new, three phase advising model to help students as they work to become part of the Professional Education Core. Click here for more information on advising and to access the advising guides.

Undergraduate and transfer students seeking initial licensure in any authorization level(s): Please contact the Academic Advising and Learning Center. Complete the File Review form.

Post-baccalaureate students: To start the application process, please meet with Bill Hamlin, graduate adviser in the College of Education. For other questions, please use this online request form.

Some of our points of pride

• More field experiences are required of prospective education majors, making WOU students stand out early and often
• The WOU curriculum allows more time in schools prior to full time student teaching
• We forge strong partnerships with school districts that go beyond student teacher placements
• Pre-education majors spend time with youths in various settings before being fully admitted to the Professional Education Core
• We provide strong preparation in literacy in Early Childhood through Elementary/Middle Level authorizations
• Content area literacy in the Middle Level and High School content pedagogy courses is stronger than ever
• Responding to the need in schools, we offer a course on differentiated instruction for diverse learners
• Advanced integrated pedagogy was added to Middle Level/High School
• Students apply to enter the program twice a year, resolving issues in placement and scheduling
• Each of the four terms is 12 credits, easing the way to also earn Bilingual/ESOL endorsement if desired

More information

Teacher Education faculty engage with students at a 2011 Preview Day. Left to right: Dr. Mark Girod, associate professor and chair of the Division of Teacher Education; Dr. Dana Ulveland, professor; and Dr. Karie Mize, associate professor.

Kris Dalton, Administrative Program Specialist

daltonk@wou.edu . 503-838-8482 . Education Building Room 202

Andrea Carano, Undergraduate Programs Adviser

caranoa@wou.edu . 503-838-8675 . Education Building Room 114

Bill Hamlin, Post-baccalaureate Adviser
hamlinw@wou.edu . 503-838-8704 . Education Building Room 114

Dr. Steve Wojcikiewicz, Program Coordinator
wojcikis@wou.edu . 503-838-8696 . Education Building Room 202

Dr. Mark Girod, Chair of Division of Teacher Education

girodm@wou.edu . 503-838-8518 . Education Buidling Room 202

College of Education fax: 503-838-8228

Contact

Division of Teacher Education 503-838-8471 | or e-mail: education@wou.edu