Education
Teacher Pathways
We offer early admission for Lewis & Clark undergraduates into a master of arts in teaching degree program at our Graduate School of Education and Counseling.
So you want to teach?
As a student in this program, you will receive targeted advising to ensure that you are perfectly prepared to enter the master’s program, significant exposure to working in a school environment, and targeted education coursework that covers educational theory and practice taught by graduate faculty.
The following outlines the steps to participate in this program.
Step 1: Apply
If you have not yet applied to Lewis & Clark:
Submit the following materials at the same time you apply to our undergraduate program. The materials should be sent or emailed to the graduate school. The contact information is found on the Teacher Pathways application form.
- A Teacher Pathways application.
- A written essay outlining your interest, past experiences, and goals in entering the teaching profession.
- A description of your prior work with children and/or youth in any educational or leadership capacity (e.g., tutor, coach, camp instructor, or other role).
If you are a Lewis & Clark first-year student or sophomore:
Submit the following materials to the Graduate Admissions office.
- An Add Teacher Pathways form.
- A written essay outlining your interest, past experiences, and goals in entering the teaching profession.
- A description of your prior work with children and/or youth in any educational or leadership capacity (e.g., tutor, coach, camp instructor, or other role).
If you are a Lewis & Clark junior or senior:
You can apply to the graduate school through the regular graduate application process. You are encouraged and invited to contact a faculty member at the graduate school to discuss what courses you should take to prepare.
A faculty committee at the graduate school will review your application for admission to the Teacher Pathways Program. Admission to the College of Arts and Sciences does not guarantee admission to the Teacher Pathways Program.
Step 2: Meet the benchmarks
If admitted to the Teacher Pathways program, you will be required to meet the following benchmarks throughout your undergraduate experience at Lewis & Clark to maintain good standing in the program and guarantee acceptance to the master’s degree program at the graduate school.
Step 3: Submit final materials
At the end of your junior year, you will submit final application materials to the Graduate School of Education and Counseling. This will include an interview with the Teacher Education admissions committee, and submission of the following materials:
- Graduate School of Education and Counseling application form.
- Self-assessment and statement of purpose.
- Three positive recommendations: one from a undergraduate education instructor, one from a supervisor at one of the schools where you have volunteered, and one from a CAS faculty member in your major.
As well as any other materials requested by the Teacher Education or Graduate School Admissions Committees.
If you complete the benchmarks and receive a positive assessment of your final application materials, you will be notified of provisional acceptance into the master’s program by September 30 of your senior year. Note: In order to be fully admitted into the master’s program, you must successfully complete your bachelor’s degree program.