Liza Finkel
I love that L&C students are really passionate about doing something good in the world and making a difference in their communities. They are willing to put in the hard work and creativity needed to make that happen, and they are also willing to take risks and explore new ideas in pursuit of those goals.
Pronouns
Title
Department(s)
What three words would you use to describe Lewis & Clark?
Tell us about the Teacher Pathways program.
The Teacher Pathways program is a partnership between Lewis & Clark’s College of Arts and Sciences and its Graduate School of Education and Counseling that is designed to support students in becoming teachers.
How is this collaboration between L&C’s undergraduate and graduate schools beneficial to students?
Teacher Pathways gives students the chance to earn a bachelor’s degree and a master of arts in teaching (MAT) degree in five years. It’s a chance for students to develop the content knowledge and skills needed to be a teacher, and be eligible for an Oregon Preliminary Teaching license (and a job as a teacher!) during their time at L&C. Once in the program, Teacher Pathways students are assigned an advisor who can help them learn about careers in teaching and about how to become a teacher. Pathways students also enroll in undergraduate education courses with a social justice focus taught by graduate faculty—which allows them to establish relationships with the same professors they will learn from as graduate students—and introduces them to educational theory and practice. In addition, the pathway provides participants with the unique opportunity to attend events focused on education and social justice alongside current MAT students, and to experience a hands-on practicum at a local K-12 public school.
What would prospective students find most interesting about this program? What makes it unique?
The Teacher Pathways program gives students interested in teaching the chance to become part of a community of L&C peers who share their goals. Pathways students also have the opportunity to get to know graduate school faculty, current MAT students, and local teachers, all of whom can help them learn about teaching and decide if it is the right career for them. What makes this program unique is the focus on social justice at all levels of teacher preparation, with the goal of helping prospective teachers learn how to become teachers who support the learning of all students and make the schools of the future more accessible and welcoming for everyone.
How many students are currently in the 4+1 program? How many have graduated?
As of Fall 2023, there are more than 90 CAS students participating in the Teacher Pathways program. A total of 65 students have completed the 4+1 program.
What do you enjoy most about Lewis & Clark students?
I love that all of the L&C students I have worked with (both undergraduate and graduate students) are really passionate about doing something good in the world and making a difference in their communities. They are willing to put in the hard work and creativity needed to make that happen, and they are also willing to take risks and explore new ideas in pursuit of those goals.
What’s your favorite spot on campus?
I love the lawn behind the Corbett House on the graduate campus, especially on a spring day when it is filled with students enjoying the sunshine and each other’s company.
Share something you think students would be surprised to learn about you.
My BS and MS degrees are in geology and I still love learning about the geologic history of the places I live and visit. I am also an avid knitter, mystery reader, and baker.
What’s your favorite thing about being the Teacher Pathways advisor?
My favorite thing about being the Teacher Pathways advisor is meeting undergraduate students who are interested in becoming teachers. I especially like it when I can talk with prospective CAS students (and sometimes their parents, too!) who are excited about coming to L&C because of the opportunities the 4+1 program offers. Their enthusiasm about becoming a teacher is inspiring.
