What is the Professional Teaching Program?
The Professional Teaching Program is the final two years of the Elementary Education degree and prepares students for a career as licensed elementary teachers. Students progress through the primarily in-person program with a cohort of peers while completing professional coursework and field experiences in local classrooms. The program includes a yearlong practicum experience in Year 3 (junior-level) and yearlong student teaching experiences in Year 4 (senior-level), allowing students to apply what they learn in coursework in authentic classroom settings. Admission to the Professional Teaching Program is required before students can begin Year 3 coursework.
Who needs to apply?
Students who have completed the pre-Elementary Education coursework and General Education courses (such as an AAOT) can apply to start the Professional Teaching program. If you are unsure if you meet the requirements, reach out to Carmen Martinez at carmen.martinez@osucascades.edu or Camille Pouliot at camille.pouliot@osucascades.edu.
Applicants may include:
- Current OSU students planning to continue into Year 3 of the Elementary Education program.
- Transfer students who have completed or are completing equivalent lower-division coursework at another college or university.
The application process helps confirm that students are on track to complete remaining degree requirements and begin the professional coursework and field experiences required in Years 3 and 4.
Application Deadlines
Current OSU students
- Application opens: January 5
- Priority deadline: May 31
Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their Academic Advisor before applying.
Transfer Students
Transfer students must be admitted to OSU and complete all admission next steps, including New Student Onboarding and meeting with their Academic Advisor before they can access the Professional Teaching Program Application.
Students are encouraged to apply to OSU for Spring admission so they can submit their Professional Teaching Application by the priority deadline. Students may also apply for summer or fall admission.
- Students admitted to Spring term should submit their Professional Program application by the priority deadline, May 31.
- Students admitted to Summer term must submit their Professional Program application by August 15.
- Students admitted to Summer or Fall term must complete their New Student Onboarding and all OSU admission next steps by July 31 and must submit their Professional Program application to the professional program by August 15.
Planning to Transfer?
Students can complete the Pre-Elementary Education requirements and courses (first two years) at any community college in Oregon. Transfer students should use the B.A./B.S. Elementary Education Transfer Guides to help them maximize their time at their current community college or for dual enrollment through the Degree Partnership Program.
Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, students should:
- Be on track to complete at least 90 credits by the start of Year 3 and any remaining lower-division major and Core Education requirements by the start of Year 4.
- Have a 3.0 cumulative GPA (recommended) and grades of C or better in lower-division Education courses. Students with a GPA below 3.0 may still be considered for admission based on their academic progress and readiness to be successful in the program.
Application Requirements
The Professional Teaching Program application includes the following materials:
- TSPC background check clearance
- GPA submission
- Multiple Measures 3 (MM3) Form documenting content knowledge through coursework
- Selection of Focus Area (ESOL, Special Education, STEM, Connecting Families, Schools and Communities, or Minor)
- Academic Profile
- Cover Letter
- Teacher Candidate Professionalism Statement
- Out of State Licensure Acknowledgment
Students should meet with their Academic Advisor to review progress toward degree requirements and for guidance completing the Multiple Measures 3 form.
After Admission
After admission, students will complete a practicum survey to help inform placement assignments.
Placement assignments are determined by program needs and the availability of partner schools. Students are typically notified of their placement assignment by mid-September. The Internship Coordinator will communicate placement information and provide details about any district-specific onboarding, training, or other placement requirements.
Students must continue to meet program requirements to remain eligible for Student Teaching in Year 4.
Advancing to Student Teaching (Year 4)
Students must meet the following requirements before beginning Student Teaching:
- Complete all Elementary Education coursework outside of Student Teaching.
- Earn a minimum 3.0 GPA in Professional Program coursework.
- Earn grades of C or higher in all program courses.
- Successfully complete the ED 309 practicum sequence.
- Demonstrate content mastery, a requirement for recommendation for Oregon teacher licensure, through:
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- An approved MM3 form documenting content knowledge, or
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- A passing score on a TSPC-approved content examination.
Questions about the Professional Teaching Program or Transfer Planning?
Contact the Program Coordinator at camille.pouliot@osucascades.edu or connect with Carmen Martinez at carmen.martinez@osucascades.edu.