The education of its citizens is one of the most important tasks of any society. The Linfield College Teacher Education Program prepares students to teach effectively, creatively, and with concern for the broad diversity of abilities, cultures, and personalities present in their students.
The Teacher Education Program prepares students to teach at the four authorization levels offered by the State of Oregon’s Initial Teaching License:
- Early Childhood (age 3 to grade 4)
- Elementary (grades 3-8)
- Middle Level (grades 5-10)
- High School (grades 7-12). Linfield is approved to recommend for endorsement in the following subject areas: art, biology, chemistry, French, German, health education, language arts (English), mathematics, music education, physical education, physics, social studies (anthropology, economics, history, political science, psychology, sociology), or Spanish.
Students are encouraged to qualify for two adjacent levels of authorization. Students can complete a bachelor’s degree while simultaneously completing requirements for an Oregon Initial Teaching License.
The Linfield College Teacher Education Program is accredited by Teacher Standards and Practices Commission of Oregon (TSPC). The Teacher Education Program expects Linfield students to understand and abide by the TSPC administrative rule concerning The Ethical Educator (OAR 584-020-0035), 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, exemplifying personal integrity and honesty.” 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 Failure to do so may result in being administratively withdrawn from education courses.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 College Academic Grievance Process.
Students applying for teaching licenses in states other than Oregon are themselves responsible for obtaining requirements in those states.