Becoming a Teacher
PSU does not have an education major. Students must earn a bachelors degree, and complete the prerequisites to apply to the PSU Graduate Teacher Education Program (GTEP) in the College of Education (COE). GTEP allows students to earn a master's in 12 months, while also earning a teaching license.
Students who want to teach can technically choose from a wide variety of majors, but the age group and subject you want to teach will be a big factor in picking your major.
Students can choose any major, as long as they include the 4 required classes below. They should consider their foundation in the multiple subjects they will teach, including science, math, social studies, language arts, and health. Some major options include: Child, Youth, & Family Studies, Social Science, Art & Letters, or Liberal Studies.
Classes Required for teacher licensing (All prerequisite courses should earn a B- or better)
Math 211, 212, 213 - Foundations of Elementary Mathematics I, II, & III
LIB 428-Children's Literature
Middle and high school teachers must get a content area specialization, which for most students means they will major in the subject they want to teach.
Content area options:
Art or Music
Sciences-Biology, Chemistry, Integrated Science, or Physics
Social Studies-History, Political Science, Geography, & Economics
Language Arts-English
Health
Mathematics
Physical Education
Foreign Languages
At PSU, you can earn a Bachelor's in Special Education or pursue a different degree, and then earn a Master's degree in special education.
For the bachelor's degree option, you must apply for admission to take required SPED classes.
For a Master's degree in special education, you can can choose any major but should have a solid foundation in the multiple subjects you will be teaching, including science, math, social science, language arts, and health. Some major options include: Child, Youth, & Family Studies, Social Science, Art & Letters, or Liberal Studies.
Classes required for special education ( All pre-requisite courses should earn a B- or better)
Math 211 and 212 or 213 - Foundations of Elementary Mathematics I, and II or II
SPED 418 – Survey of the Exceptional Learner
NOT SURE WHAT TO TEACH?
Elementary teachers provide lead instruction in multiple subjects to their classes, so they need to know a little bit of everything rather than being experts in a particular subject. Elementary teachers will typically work with one classroom of students for the whole academic year.
Middle school and high school teachers provide lead instruction in a specific subject, so will often teach multiple groups of students throughout the day, sometimes using different lesson plans throughout the day
Special education teachers work in collaboration with lead instructors and teaching assistants to develop individualized lesson plans for students with a wide range of special needs.
It is highly recommended to attend a COE Information Session for the specific teaching program(s) you are interested in possibly attending. If you aren't entirely sure what you want to teach, you should email COE Advising at askcoe@pdx.edu to set up a one-on-one appointment.
TALK TO AN ADVISOR!
Students should work with their major advisor on creating a graduation plan for their bachelor's degree.
GTEP has Admissions Advisors who can talk to students about admissions, program structure, and teacher licensing. They have regular info sessions, or can be reached at askcoe@pdx.edu
What if advisors have other questions? Email Kate Constable at kdc2@pdx.edu