ÃÛѨÊÓƵ

Skip to Main Content Skip to Footer Toggle Navigation Menu
The top of Pioneer Hall through vibrant fall leaves on the trees.

Online Elementary Plus Special Education Certificate

Earn your teaching license and special ed certificate in 16 months

In an ever-evolving education system, students need teachers who are knowledgeable, compassionate and dedicated to their holistic success. ÃÛѨÊÓƵ’s Online Elementary Plus Special Education (SPED) Certificate program equips aspiring teachers with the pedagogical expertise and in-classroom experience needed to excel.

Our part-time teaching certification program builds upon your academic background, whether you want to kick-start a new professional path or advance your career in education. If you already hold a bachelor’s degree (or higher) in any area of study, you can earn your Oregon teaching license in as little as 16 months without needing another degree.

Embark on an academic journey that cultivates a versatile skill set and instills a solid commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable learning environment where all students can thrive.

Program features

  • Save money with competitive tuition rates
  • 600 hours of classroom practicum to increase your teaching experience
  • 13 online courses completed in 16 months
  • Rolling admission - apply whenever you are ready
  • $260 per credit hour

Interesting in learning more?

Sign up to receive updates about ÃÛѨÊÓƵ's teaching licensure-only program.

Loading...

Why earn your dual certification in elementary and special education at ÃÛѨÊÓƵ?

Benefit from a 100% online program format

Our online continuing education programs help you work toward your career goals by offering flexible enrollment options and course schedules. All your teaching certification courses — except for your in-classroom practicum — are 100% online, with evening and summer classes available. There’s also a blend of synchronous and asynchronous coursework, giving you even more flexibility to learn at your own speed.

Enjoy a streamlined path to secure your Oregon teaching license

ÃÛѨÊÓƵ proudly offers teacher preparation programs that are approved by Oregon’s . We intentionally structured our elementary and SPED certificate program around the required courses and clinical practicum experience to simplify earning your teaching license. Upon completing the program, you’ve fulfilled the requirements to receive your Oregon Preliminary Teaching license and begin your career as an educator.

 

Discover more about how to earn your teaching licensure

Gain in-classroom experience and develop your unique teaching style

Our teaching certification program gets you out of ÃÛѨÊÓƵ’s online classrooms and into local school districts so you can begin your student-teaching experience. This clinical practicum is essential to your education and allows you to work firsthand with young learners and seasoned faculty members. From leading in-class instruction to tackling administrative responsibilities, your student-teaching role gives a sense of the profession, the required skills and its many rewards. You spend 600 hours in an elementary school classroom, learning alongside bright K-5 students. Already working as a teacher on a restricted license?  We work collaboratively with school districts in an effort to arrange for on-the-job student teaching experiences.

  • Prerequisites

    Before beginning your dual certification in the ÃÛѨÊÓƵ elementary and special education program, you can complete your pre-education classes at an Oregon community college and transfer your credits. Transfer courses must be equivalent to:

    • Foundations of Education: EDUC 150 (equivalent of 3 credits)
    • Learning and Development: EDUC 200 (equivalent of 4 credits)
    • Foundations of Inclusion and Special Education: EDUC 210 (equivalent of 3 credits)
    • Equity and Culturally Responsive Pedagogy: EDUC 260 (equivalent of 3 credits)
    • Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers I: MATH 135 (equivalent of 4 credits)
    • Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers II: MATH 136 (equivalent of 4 credits)

    Review transfer equivalencies from Clackamas, Chemeketa, Oregon Coast and Portland Community Colleges. Or, contact a ÃÛѨÊÓƵ admission counselor for additional information.

  • Courses

    • Foundations for Teaching ESOL: EDUC 240 (3 credits)
    • General Methods and Management: EDUC 305 (4 credits)
    • Teaching Multicultural and Expressive Arts: EDUC 375 (3 credits)
    • Teaching Literacy I: EDUC 401 (4 credits)
    • Teaching Literacy II: EDUC 402 (4 credits)
    • Instructional Techniques, Interventions and Culturally Response Practices in Special Education: EDSP 422 (3 credits)
    • Assessment and Diagnosis for Special Education: EDSP 424 (3 credits)
    • Teaching Mathematics: EDUC 448 (3 credits)
    • Teaching Science and Health/Fitness: EDUC 449 (4 credits)
    • Teaching Social Studies: EDUC 450 (3 credits)
    • Classroom Administration and Management: EDUC 472 (3 credits)
    • Ethical, Legal and Collaborative Principles: EDUC 482
    • Full-time Student Teaching: EDUC 492 (12 credits)
    • Seminar for Full-time Student Teaching: EDUC 497 (1 credit)

    View course descriptions in the .

Career outlook for Oregon’s elementary school and special ed teachers

Nationwide, schools and teachers are working to serve children with disabilities better, ensuring their classrooms offer a safe space that promotes inclusive learning and encourages the success of all students.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates an estimated opening each year through 2033. Oregon has a tremendous need for special education teachers and boasts some of the highest in the country. Working as a SPED teacher in Oregon also offers some of the highest salaries. Their annual income is typically $90,450 — over $20,000 more than the national average salary of $66,000.

Taking a broader look at the , the BLS projects almost 106,500 jobs will open annually through 2033. In fact, the BLS estimates that Oregon’s employment of elementary teachers will grow by 12% over the next ten years, creating 1,080 new jobs each year. These elementary teachers also earn an above-average salary of $82,000, which significantly exceeds the national median income of $63,670.

Be the solution to a growing need — earn your elementary plus SPED teaching credentials at ÃÛѨÊÓƵ and make a lasting impact on your community.

ÃÛѨÊÓƵ to the online elementary plus special ed certificate program

ÃÛѨÊÓƵ keeps the application process simple so you can focus on beginning your studies and planning for the future. For acceptance into our teaching certificate program, you must meet the following criteria:

  • An undergraduate bachelor's degree
  • Official transcripts from all previously attended academic institutions.

When applying, simply submit your online application, including any supplemental materials, and pay a $50 application fee by the following deadlines:

  • Priority admission deadline for summer start: June 10
  • Priority admission deadline for fall start: Aug. 10
  • Priority admission deadline for spring start: Jan. 10

Before beginning the application process, please review our more in-depth admission information.

 


Tuition and cost

ÃÛѨÊÓƵ strives to increase access to quality education by offering competitive tuition rates, helpful student resources and sound guidance from our Office of Financial Aid staff. With their support, you can invest in your future and yield many benefits.

Our elementary education plus special ed certificate program costs $260 per credit, or an estimated total of $13,250, including all tuition and fees. While federal financial aid is not available for endorsement programs, some school districts may reimburse or assist their employees who take these courses. We encourage you to contact your school district to see if this is an option.

Ready to get started?

Teacher in a classroom instructing students.

Attend an info session

Join education faculty and admission representatives to learn more about the online elementary and special ed certification program and application process.

Sign up

Inspire the next generation of learners — earn your elementary and SPED teaching certificate

Whether you want to be an elementary teacher or take a more specialized approach and work with students with various disabilities, ÃÛѨÊÓƵ’s online Elementary Plus Special Education Teaching Certificate supports your growth as an up-and-coming educator. Take the next step toward earning your Oregon teaching certificate and helping students reach their full potential.