100% of 2016 Elementary MAT and SAA grads now employed in respective fields

On Thursday, August 25, good news came from Anna Gonzalez, director of the rapidly growing Student Affairs Administration program: “As of today, all of our SAA alumni are fully employed!” Barely a week later, more good news from Linda Griffin, director of the Elementary MAT program: “Our last graduate was hired today!”

The Student Affairs Administration exiting cohort of spring 2016 was the first to graduate from the program, now in it’s third year.

“The students have accepted positions across the country, ranging from development and institutional advancement to housing to academic and career advising,” says Gonzalez. “Their accomplishments are direct outcomes of a successful integration of the scholar-practitioner model of higher education and student affairs.”

SAA welcomed a record number of matriculates this fall, nearly doubling its enrollment from the previous year.

Additionally, Oregon’s school districts, both urban and rural, face a growing shortage of teachers available to fill rising numbers of licensed teaching positions. 

“At Lewis & Clark, we have experienced quick growth in interest from school districts throughout the region, nationally, and internationally as they seek to recruit and hire our student teachers and recent graduates,” says Sharon Chinn, Director of Educational Career, Licensing, and Accreditation Services.

Amongst the faculty, it’s no surprise that the students are so highly sought after.

“Our candidates are knowledgeable, confident, and passionate about teaching. Hiring districts recognize and value their experience and their promise,” explains Griffin. “This year was exceptional in terms of the number of open positions for elementary positions and Lewis & Clark applicants were snapped up early in the process including three who were hired to teach in the school where they had done their student teaching.”

“These results speak volumes about the extraordinary quality of work our students do and the excellence of the faculty who prepared them for their fields. The reputation our students have established in public schools and higher education institutions is hard earned and well deserved,” says Scott Fletcher, Dean of the Graduate School. “Our collective commitment to social justice, equity, and access is the bedrock for this success, and the foundation of our students’ dedication to serving others.”

Complete information about the programs offered at the Graduate School is available online.