Teaching English FAQ

What English courses should I take if I want to apply to the MAT (Master of Arts in Teaching) program?
The English Program Office has a handout, titled The Revised List of Required Courses for Language Arts Secondary Teaching License, which lists these classes.

If I haven’t completed these requirements, can I make them up while I’m in the MAT program?
No. This was once possible (back when the program was referred to as the “5th year program”). In the MAT program, it is no longer possible to pick up courses in your subject area once you are in the program. In other words, you need to complete the required English classes before beginning the program.

What kind of classroom experience should I have?
You need two documented experiences of working with young people in an academic setting, under the supervision of someone who can write you a letter of recommendation. The MAT program no longer accepts other experiences with children as your primary reference.

Must this classroom experience be in the form of a practicum for credit?
No, although such practica are available on a limited basis for those who wish to pursue them.

What opportunities are there for volunteer work in schools and when should I do it?
The best time is Spring of your Junior year or Fall of your Senior year. To find out about volunteer possibilities, contact the school’s secretary, who can direct you to the person in charge of volunteers. Often students from the area work with former teachers in their former schools.

What other things should I do?
By your Junior year, you should check out the online application to the MAT program. Make a checklist for yourself of the things you have to do and when. It is particularly important to note when standardized tests are offered.

What kinds of recommendations are important?
References from people who can evaluate you as a teacher are more important than letters from people who evaluate you as a student. Letters from other people who can evaluate your interactions with young people are good (the volleyball coach, etc.) but only to supplement evaluations of your work with young people in an academic setting.

Are there other things that can help me?
Experience with diversity is one of the things the program looks for. In addition to your coursework, and proficiency in a Foreign Language (which will be required soon anyway), experience abroad, and/or with the Guanajuato program is helpful.

Are there advantages to getting a teaching license in Oregon?
Yes. With an Oregon license, you’ll have an easier time getting jobs in California, Washington, and Idaho. If you go to one of those other states for a license and come back to Oregon, you’ll usually have to do more to get an Oregon license.