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Graduate Teacher Education Program (GTEP) Basic Certification Program For Art Teachers In The State Of Oregon

The Department of Art works in liaison with the School of Education to provide Initial and Continuing Teacher Licensing for Art Education at the graduate level. Art Licensing is for teaching art in grades K-12.

Portland State University School of Education features a teacher preparation program which provides the chance for dedicated and academically able candidates to complete the essential training to become outstanding teachers.

The PSU Graduate Teacher Education Program (GTEP) is a twelve month, graduate (fifth year) program which prepares candidates for teaching grades K-9 (elementary), grades 5-12 (secondary) art and other subjects. Successful completion leads to recommendation for a Basic Oregon Teacher License. The preparation year begins in the Fall or Spring Term and includes a summer session. A Masters of Education degree requires an additional term of planned course work. Students interested in Art Education must apply for the Secondary GTEP, even though that Licensing is for grades K-12. Contact the School of Education for application.

Standard Oregon Teacher License for Oregon

The requirements for the Standard Oregon Teaching License includes 45 credits of upper-division or graduate work earned subsequent to receipt of a bachelors degree. The 45 credits are in addition to those required for the basic teaching license. For the standard endorsement in art, the student must take 15-30 credits of art education adviser-approved graduate level work distributed to strengthen the student's background in art. Each student's program is tailored to meet the needs of the individual and the requirements of the standard endorsement and the standard license. Contact the School of Education for required education courses.

Although licensure requirements are incorporated into degree programs, changes by the Oregon Teachers Standards and Practices Commission during the the year may alter the requirements. It is imperative that the prospective teacher be in touch with the art education adviser from the beginning, as applicants for licensure must meet the admission requirements in force at the time of the licensure application.

For more information on required Education requirements contact the School of Education 503-725-4619.

Tuition and Financial Aid Students admitted to the fifth year certification program will pay graduate tuition and fees for required courses. There will be an institutional admission fee if not previously admitted to PSU. Information regarding loan and Work-Study programs may be found on the Financial Aid Office web site.

Admission To The GTEP Program

Admission to the Graduate Teacher Education Program is selective and competitive. Each application receives personal attention from the Admissions Committee. High values are placed on interpersonal skills, academic achievement, course work preparation, potential to meet the needs of pupils, social development, motivation, and stamina. Portland State University's School of Education strives to attract academically able students who reflect diverse cultural backgrounds and who are able to work with children of varying abilities.

Candidates should first submit a University application to: Portland State University, Office of Admission, P.O. Box 751, Portland, Oregon 97207-0751. This application requires:

  • Two official transcripts from each college or university attended.

  • An application fee.

The following application materials need to be furnished to the the School of Education, GTEP Admissions Office, PO Box 751, Portland, Oregon 97207-0751:

  • Completed GTEP Program application form and official transcript.

  • Scores from California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST).

  • Scores from the NTE PRAXIS examinations for Art Education.

  • Three letters of recommendation concerning aptitude for teaching, social development, motivation, stamina, and experience with children and youth.

  • A two page statement describing the applicant's motivation and potential for teaching.

  • Other information which strengthens the applicant's case for admission.

In addition to the fore mentioned application materials applicants must also have completed all prerequisites and recommended course work as listed above.

For general information regarding the GTEP program or if you have questions regarding the departmental application materials or GTEP group sessions, please call the School of Education at 503-725-4619.

For general information about the GTEP in Art Education or for specific Department of Art requirements, please make an appointment with Bill LePore by contacting the Art Office at 503-725-3515, Room 310, Art Building.

Admissions Schedule

Admissions are conducted twice a year, on November 1st for secondary cohorts beginning in the Spring and on February 1st, for secondary cohorts beginning in the Summer.

Applicants should ensure that all required materials are submitted to the University Admissions Office and to the School of Education, GTEP Admissions Office (ED 204) on or before the due dates.

Remember, test registrations and your receipt of scores require lengthy lead times.

PSU Testing Services (503-725-4428 Room M342 SMSU) provides registration and information booklets on the NTE specialty area tests and CBEST tests.

Art courses required for Art Education GTEP

Art 514, 515, 516 Art in the Secondary School
3,3,3 credits
Methods and materials for teaching and coordinating art programs in grades K-12, with emphasis on organizing demonstrations, lecture, and visual presentations. Observations at various school levels. Seminars and participation in inter-cultural, special, and individualized education applied to art. Research into the art community as a resource, art as a career, and art and technology. Developing courses of study that sequence a program balance with two- and three-dimensional studio experiences, art history, appreciation, and methods of criticism appropriate to student level. Art 514, art education methods of instruction, organization of art materials and tools. Art 515, technology (media/computer) application to art, research in field for art education, art history, multicultural art resources, world issues in art education. Art 516, philosophy of art education, problems in field of art education. Prerequisite: Art Department portfolio review required for admission.

Art courses required for Elementary Education GTEP

Art 312 Art in the Elementary School
3 credits
Art studio: exercises, problems, and projects using tools, media, materials, and equipment applicable to elementary teaching levels. Development of attitudes toward art and understanding of child growth and development. Art in the Elementary School is a prerequisite to be admitted into the Elementary Education program (GTEP).

Art 513 Art in the Elementary School
2 credits
Methods and field experience: a lecture seminar and studio participation course with assigned field experience. Students develop attitudes toward an understanding of children's creative development through course planning in arts and crafts. Prerequisites: Art 312 and admission to the Elementary Education program (GTEP).

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