Teacher Leadership for Equity and Social Justice Certificate

The Teacher Leadership for Equity and Social Justice Certificate is designed to prepare teachers to be agents of change for equity and social justice, effective mentors for early career colleagues, and advocates for the educational success of all students. Applicants choose among five possible strands:

• Writing
• Reading
• English for Speakers of Other Languages
• Special Needs Populations
• Instructional Leadership

Prerequisites

• Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States (the college or university must be regionally accredited when enrolled and the degree was conferred) or the foreign equivalent.
• Applicants must currently hold or be in the process of applying for an active Oregon Initial II, Standard, Professional, or Continuing Teaching License.
• Applicants must document three years of successful licensed teaching experience in public schools or regionally accredited private schools. (Please note that licensed teaching experience in Oregon schools is required by TSPC to apply to the commission for an optional Teacher Leader License.)

Application Timeline
There is no application deadline. Completed applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. That is, applications will go to program faculty and the Graduate Admissions Committee for review once the application is complete. 

Application Requirements

1. Application form
   Lewis & Clark uses an online application. You will be able to upload your essay and resume. H
2. Application fee
   A $50 nonrefundable application fee is required and is payable with a credit card or electronic check. Fee waivers are available to alumni and employees of Lewis & Clark. Participants in special service programs are also eligible for a fee waiver. Go to this page for information about the fee waiver process.
3. Personal Essay
   Applicants are required to write an essay. The essay is an opportunity for you to share with us why graduate studies at Lewis & Clark will help you realize your goals. The essay should be approximately 500 words in length and is submitted electronically as part of the online application.
   
   Please address the following in your essay:
   — This certificate aims to prepare teachers to engage effectively with others to improve instruction, promote equity, and engage as a change agent related to the social justice responsibilities of schools. Please discuss how you have and will take on the role of a change agent in schools.
4. Professional Teaching Experience Form
   Applicants must document three years of successful licensed teaching experience in public schools or regionally accredited private schools.
5. Official Transcripts
   Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States (the college or university must be regionally accredited at the time of enrollment and when the degree was conferred) or the foreign equivalent. Official degree posted transcript from the institution where you earned your undergraduate degree is required. Official transcripts for any post-baccalaureate credits earned should also be provided. Failure to submit official copies of all transcripts may result in the withholding of your application for consideration. Transcripts stamped “Issued to Student” will not be considered official
   
   Graduates of a non-U.S. university system are required to provide officially evaluated and translated copies of their college transcripts. Official evaluations and translations are done by outside agencies. Information regarding three such agencies can be found by going to International Applicants.
   
   How to Submit Transcripts
   Lewis & Clark will accept paper or e-transcripts ordered directly from the post-secondary institution you attended. Transcripts cannot be uploaded via the online application. Transcripts must be mailed or emailed directly from the institution to the Graduate Admissions office. The mailing and email information can be found on the right side of this web page.
6. Grade Point Average (GPA)
   All applicants must hold a minimum 2.75 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in their undergraduate degree. A minimum of 3.4 GPA is required for those students who graduated from an institution using a 5.0 scale.
7. Resume
   Submit a current professional resume listing positions that you have held for three months or longer including your current position. Your resume should list the names and contact information for three references.
8. Teaching License
   Applicants must currently hold or be in the process of applying for an active Oregon Initial II, Standard, Professional, or Continuing Teaching License. You will be required to answer questions about your license on the online application.