M.A.T. Early Childhood/Elementary Program

Program Details

Accepting applications! Apply now

Total credit hours: 40
Program start date: June
Program length: 12-13 months
View program of study
Option to add coursework toward the ESOL/Bilingual Endorsement (Track II, see FAQs); Reading Endorsement, or Special Education Endorsement

Faculty: Students in this program may work with the following faculty members: Kasi Allen, Andie Cunningham, Sara Exposito, Alejandra Favela, Linda Griffin, Vern Jones, Joseph Minato, Christine Moore, Cindi Swingen, David Ward

About the Program

This is a unique program of study focused on schools as transformative institutions that enhance social justice and equity. We seek candidates who are committed to an interactive, dynamic, intellectual approach to teaching and learning.

Interns spend an entire year with one group of children at a school – from beginning to end they are able to witness the development of a group of children over time and to obtain first-hand experience of an entire school year. Many area administrators have commented that hiring a Lewis & Clark graduate is like hiring a second-year teacher—you’re that well-prepared.

Video: Abby, Katie, and Brina talk about finding jobs after graduation

“Our best hires have come from Lewis & Clark. These graduates are making a big difference in the classroom and our community. If I was entertaining going back to school to become a teacher, Lewis & Clark would be my number one choice.” —Randy Brosius, Associate Principal, Evergreen School District

What to Expect

Our program begins in mid-June. You and your cohort members spend this first summer of the program on the Lewis & Clark campus, taking classes, building relationships, and beginning to prepare for student teaching. Beginning in late August, you will join your mentor at your school site to prepare the classroom for the arrival of children and the start of the school year. Student teaching sites include schools in the Portland Public, Reynolds, David Douglas, and West-Linn/Wilsonville districts, among many others.

During the fall semester, which concludes just prior to the Thanksgiving holiday, you will be on campus with your cohort three days a week and at your school site for two full days. In December and during the first week of January, you will be at your school site full time. In the spring semester, the emphasis shifts even more heavily to student teaching—you will be at your school site three full days per week and taking classes on campus the remaining two days. Following spring break and through the end of the school year, you will be teaching at your site full time. During this time, you can expect to plan, prepare, and teach for six full weeks. The year concludes with time spent co-teaching with your mentor.

How to Apply

• You are required to complete and pass certain tests before you apply to the program. Test scores must be submitted with your application.
• Visit the admissions website for full details on admissions requirements, deadlines, financial aid information and more.
• Contact faculty coordinators Linda Griffin, Cindi Swingen, or David Ward with questions about the program itself

Find the Information You Need

• Attend an information night to learn more about the program
  
• Look for scholarships
• Find out about tests you’re required to pass in order to become a licensed teacher
  

For Current Students

• 13/14 EC-EL Program Handbook
• Forms
• M.A.T. Program Planning Sheet 2013-14
• Testing Requirements
• Licensing Instructions: Information on how to apply for your Initial Teaching License after you have completed your program.
• ESOL Endorsement: Information about working toward an ESOL endorsement in your M.A.T. program
• EC/EL Program Calendar
• Title II Report