Online Teacher Education

Admission to Bushnell’s Online Teacher Education program requires acceptance to Bushnell University and completion of approximately 60 semester credits prior to beginning the professional education sequence. Applicants submit official transcripts, a statement of purpose, resume, recommendation materials, disposition assessments, and participate in an admissions interview.

The admissions process is designed to evaluate academic preparation, professional potential, communication skills, and readiness to enter the teaching profession. Students work closely with admissions counselors and faculty advisors throughout the application process.

Bushnell University’s Teacher Education program is approved by the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) and prepares candidates for an Oregon Preliminary Teaching License in elementary or secondary education. Coursework, field experiences, and student teaching requirements are aligned with state licensure standards and professional expectations.

All Teacher Education students are required to create an eLicensing account through TSPC as part of the licensure process. Faculty advisors provide guidance throughout the program to help students understand licensure requirements and prepare for successful recommendation upon graduation.

Students planning to teach outside Oregon should review licensure requirements in their intended state. While Bushnell’s Teacher Education program is designed to meet Oregon licensure standards, individual states may require additional coursework, testing, or application steps.

Faculty and advisors can help students understand potential licensure considerations and identify resources for researching requirements in other states.

Clinical practice is integrated throughout the Teacher Education program, allowing students to connect coursework with real classroom experience. Candidates complete more than 1,000 hours of supervised field and student teaching experiences while working alongside certified educators in elementary and secondary school settings.

Students complete 240 hours of clinical practice followed by a 600-hour full-time student teaching experience. These experiences help future educators develop instructional confidence, strengthen classroom management skills, support diverse learners, and apply research-based teaching strategies before graduation.

Students choose either an Elementary Education or Secondary Education pathway and may pursue endorsement areas aligned with their interests and career goals. Secondary education candidates complete endorsement-specific coursework in their chosen subject area.

Available endorsement options include mathematics, science, language arts, social studies, Spanish, health, physical education, ESOL, and special education. Faculty advisors work closely with students to help align endorsement choices with licensure requirements and professional goals.

Teacher licensure candidates must complete all testing and fingerprinting requirements established by the State of Oregon and TSPC. Fingerprint clearance through TSPC is required prior to official admission into the Teacher Education program.

Students are responsible for completing all required testing and licensure-related procedures and should anticipate additional fees associated with state requirements. Program faculty and staff provide support and guidance throughout the process.

Oregon educators are required to demonstrate knowledge of civil rights laws and laws prohibiting discrimination in educational settings. Teacher candidates must successfully complete all required Civil Rights in Educational Settings learning modules as part of the licensure process.

All required modules must be completed prior to beginning field experiences or by program deadlines established by the School of Education. Successful completion of these requirements is necessary for licensure recommendation.

Bushnell is committed to making teacher preparation accessible and affordable. Students may be eligible for federal financial aid, scholarships, military and veteran education benefits, employer assistance programs, and flexible payment options.

The Pathways in Education Scholarship, offered in partnership with regional organizations, helps support future educators while addressing workforce needs in schools and communities. Financial aid counselors are available to help students explore funding options and develop a personalized plan for completing their degree.