Why Choose Teacher Education at Bushnell?
Small classes, personalized faculty mentorship, and extensive classroom experience rooted in faith-informed learning. You’ll begin working with students early in your college experience, applying what you learn in real PK–12 classrooms while developing the practical skills and confidence needed to become an effective educator.
Faculty bring years of K–12 teaching and leadership experience into the classroom and provide individualized support throughout your licensure journey. Through more than 1,000 hours of supervised field experience, classroom placements, and student teaching, you’ll learn how to design instruction, engage diverse learners, and lead with confidence.
Graduates leave Bushnell prepared for Oregon teacher licensure and ready to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students, families, and communities.
1000+
Hours of supervised field experience and student teaching in PK–12 classrooms
15+
PK–12 partner schools and districts where students regularly complete field placements and student teaching
3
Progressive field experiences (minor, major, and student teaching) supervised by Bushnell faculty and cooperating teachers
Clinical Practice and Student Teaching
Classroom experience is a central part of Bushnell University’s Teacher Education program. You’ll begin gaining hands-on experience early through classroom observations, service learning, tutoring opportunities, and supervised field placements in local PK–12 schools.
As you progress through the program, these experiences become increasingly immersive and culminate in full-time student teaching. In total, you’ll complete more than 1,000 hours of supervised classroom experience while working alongside licensed teachers and Bushnell faculty supervisors.
These school-based experiences allow you to apply instructional strategies, strengthen classroom leadership skills, support diverse learners, and build the confidence needed for your first teaching position while preparing for Oregon teacher licensure.
What You’ll Study
How the Curriculum is Structured
The Teacher Education curriculum combines rigorous academic preparation with hands-on classroom experience and professional licensure training. You’ll build a strong foundation in learner development, instructional strategies, classroom management, curriculum design, educational technology, and assessment practices designed for today’s PK–12 learning environments.
Coursework includes classes such as Child Development, Classroom Relations and Management, Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, Foundations of Education and Diversity, Literacy Methods, Educational Technology, and Faith Integration in Teaching Seminar. Through supervised field experiences and student teaching, you’ll apply what you learn in real classroom settings while preparing for Oregon teacher licensure and long-term success as an educator.
Licensure Pathways and Endorsements
Choose the teacher licensure pathway that aligns with your career goals and the grade levels you want to teach. Whether you’re preparing for elementary or secondary education, Bushnell offers multiple endorsement options that allow you to personalize your degree and graduate prepared to serve diverse learners with confidence.
The Elementary Education concentration prepares you to teach across subject areas in self-contained elementary classrooms while building expertise in literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, health, physical education, and the arts.
You’ll learn how to support child development, create engaging learning environments, and teach diverse learners through evidence-based instructional practices and supervised classroom experience.
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The Secondary Education concentration prepares you to teach at the middle or high school level through subject-specific instructional methods, adolescent development coursework, and classroom experience aligned with your chosen endorsement area. You’ll combine education coursework with content-area specialization while developing the skills needed to lead engaging, effective secondary classrooms.
Available endorsement areas include language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, Spanish, health, and physical education.
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Choose from Elementary or Secondary Education pathways while building teaching specializations through additional endorsement coursework aligned with your academic interests and career goals. Endorsement options include
- Mathematics
- Science
- Language Arts
- Social Studies
- Spanish
- Health
- Physical Education
Some endorsement coursework may be completed during daytime hours or transferred from another accredited institution with advisor approval. Faculty advisors work closely with you to help align endorsement pathways with your licensure goals and future teaching interests.
Specialty endorsements allow you to expand your expertise in specialized instructional areas and student populations. Bushnell University offers endorsements in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and Special Education, providing additional preparation through focused coursework, field experiences, and practicum opportunities.
Graduate Career Ready
What Can You Do with a Degree in Teacher Education?
Students who graduate from the teacher education program at Bushnell go on to pursue these types of careers:
- Elementary School Teacher
- Middle School or High School Teacher
- Special Education or Student Support Professional
- Instructional Coach or Educational Program Coordinator
- Private, Christian, or Independent School Educator
- Graduate Study in Education, Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Leadership, or Related Fields
Skills You’ll Gain
Through Bushnell’s Teacher Education program, you’ll develop practical and career-ready skills, including:
- Design engaging lessons aligned with learning standards
- Create inclusive classroom environments that support diverse learners
- Apply effective instructional strategies across grade levels and subjects
- Assess student learning and adapt instruction to meet individual needs
- Communicate effectively with students, families, and school communities
- Lead with professionalism, ethical decision-making, and confidence
Where Our Graduates Go
Bushnell Teacher Education graduates serve in PK–12 schools throughout Oregon and across the western United States. Many alumni begin their careers in local districts throughout Lane County and the Willamette Valley, while others teach in schools across Washington, California, Arizona, and Idaho.
Graduates have completed student teaching and launched careers in districts such as:
- Eugene 4J School District
- Springfield School District
- Bethel School District
- Salem-Keizer School District
- Lake Oswego School District
- Corvallis School District
- Junction City School District
- Creswell School District
- Eugene Christian School
- O’Hara Catholic School
Graduates also continue their education through master’s and doctoral programs at institutions including:
- Bushnell University
- Western Oregon University
- George Fox University
- University of Oregon
- Oregon State University
- Stanford University
- University of Southern California
Whether entering the classroom immediately after graduation or pursuing advanced study, Bushnell graduates are prepared to lead, teach, and make a meaningful impact in the lives of students and communities.
Accelerated Dual Pathway (4+1)
The Accelerated Dual Pathway at Bushnell University enables students to achieve a bachelor’s and a master’s degree within a span of five years. This program offers Bushnell students an accelerated application procedure, a smooth transition, and significant time efficiency.
Accreditation
Bushnell University’s School of Education meets rigorous academic and professional standards. The Teacher Education program is nationally accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) and regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). In addition, Bushnell’s licensure programs are approved by the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC). These accreditations ensure the program meets state and national expectations for educator preparation and supports eligibility for teacher licensure and professional advancement.
Frequently Asked Questions?
Yes. Bushnell University’s Teacher Education program prepares students for Oregon teacher licensure through coursework, field experiences, and student teaching placements. The program is approved by the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC), and graduates are prepared to enter the classroom as licensed educators.
You’ll gain classroom experience early in the program through observations, field placements, and supervised teaching experiences. Throughout your degree, you’ll work with students in real PK–12 classrooms, culminating in student teaching and more than 1,000 hours of field experience before graduation.
Bushnell offers pathways that prepare students to teach at the elementary, middle, or high school level, depending on their chosen licensure area. Coursework, field experiences, and student teaching placements are designed to align with your teaching goals and certification pathway.
Graduates pursue careers as elementary, middle school, and high school teachers in public, private, and faith-based schools. Many also continue their education through graduate programs in education, curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, counseling, and related fields.
Contact Us
Have questions about Bushnell’s Teacher Education program? An admissions counselor can walk you through requirements, discuss transfer credits, and help you figure out your next step.
Our faculty and staff are 100% committed to your learning and invested in your success.
Come learn with us!
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