OSU – CASCADES
Professional Teacher Education Program
Master of Arts in Teaching
Early Childhood & Elementary Authorization Levels
Application Packet
In this packet you will find: Admission information for the Master of Arts in Teaching Program; Application Checklist;
Contact Form; Form B; Documentation of Experience; Essay Guide; TSPC Character Questionnaire.
Should you have questions, please contact OSU-Cascades Admissions at 541-322-3100.
ADMISSION TO THE MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING PROGRAM
Admission to the Professional Teacher Education Program is selective and competitive. Consequently not all applicants
are admitted. Applications received after the priority deadline listed on our website may be considered on a spaceavailable basis only after all those received by the priority deadline have been fully considered. Within OSU’s Guiding
Principles, the Professional Teacher Education Program recognizes a responsibility to society to contribute to its social,
aesthetic, and economic well-being. Diversity is a key to the success of our programs. Our programs open the doors
wider for any groups that are under-represented or that have suffered from discrimination.
While acceptance as a graduate student is not required to begin the Initial License program, you must be admitted as a
graduate student to complete a degree (necessary for admission to all graduate degree programs). Students not admitted
to a degree-granting program are not eligible for financial aid of any kind.
Admission into a licensure program is contingent upon passing the state required Basic Skills Examination. In addition,
the NES Elementary Education I and II (multiple subjects exam), and Protecting Student and Civil Rights in the Education
Environment must be passed prior to beginning coursework. (See p. 3)
Admission Requirements and Criteria
1.
A bachelor's degree (necessary for admission to all graduate degree programs), documented by official
transcripts of grades.
2.
Minimum calculated grade-point average of 3.0 in the last 90 quarter credits of graded undergraduate work and all
work completed thereafter (necessary for admission to all graduate degree programs), documented by official
transcripts of grades.
3.
Competence in subject matter for desired content teaching areas (documented by Form B and transcripts of
grades).
4.
Competence in working with school-age children or youth at the age level at which the candidate is seeking
licensure in schools; experience in public school settings is required (at least 60 hours working with students in
a formal school setting documented by letters of recommendation, interview, essay).
5.
Demonstrated effectiveness in oral and written communication (documented by letters of recommendation,
basic educational skills test score, written essay, and interview).
6.
Sincere and appropriate desire to become a public school teacher and an understanding of the life demands placed
on a teacher (documented by letters of recommendation, essay, and interview).
7.
Truthful answers to Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) character questions (documented by
the TSPC Character Questionnaire).
Note: Successful applicants by Oregon law must submit one fingerprint card for processing by the Oregon State
Police and the FBI before beginning the student teaching field experience.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
1.
Applicants are responsible for assuring that all sources of admission evidence (other than interview results) are in
their application files at Office of Admissions, OSU-Cascades, 2600 NW College Way, Bend, OR 97701 by the
application deadline. Also, applicants are responsible for assuring that all “Admission Requirements and
Criteria” are addressed by sources of evidence other than interview results, such as transcripts, letters of
recommendation, resume, etc.
2.
Applications are reviewed by screening committees to identify candidates who are qualified based on the
evidence available.
3.
Following the initial screening, qualified applicants are required to interview with OSU faculty members. The
interview may also include public school educators. The interview team adds its assessments to the applicant’s
file.
4.
Following the interview, the faculty for the teacher education program considers all evidence and makes
admission recommendations to the Department Chair.
5.
Applicants who complete the application process above are notified of the program admission decision in writing
by US mail. Please be sure to keep the university informed of any changes of address or status.
***********************************************************************************
The Program Application and Graduate Admission Applications are typically submitted at the same time to the
appropriate office. Refer to the following information for the appropriate addresses:
Program Application
Office of Admissions
OSU-Cascades
2600 NW College Way
Bend, OR 97701
Graduate Application
Electronic Application only
The Oregon State University – Cascades Campus Graduate Admission application is available online at
http://www.osucascades.edu/admissions/. Call (541) 322-3100 if you have any questions.
Oregon State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual
orientation, marital status, age, disability or veteran's status in any of its policies, procedures or practices.
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APPLICATION CHECKLIST
I. Graduate School Admission
a) Online Application:
____ 1. Electronic graduate admissions application (necessary for admission to all graduate degree
programs). Apply online at: http://www.osucascades.edu/admissions/
____ 2. $60 admissions application fee – paid online with credit card at time electronic application is
submitted.
b) Official Transcript(s):
One (1) official transcript from each college and university attended (except OSU if applicable) - must be
in sealed envelope and mailed or delivered to: Office of Admissions, OSU-Cascades, Cascades Hall,
2600 NW College Way, Bend, OR 97701
II. ECE/ELE MAT Program Admission
Submit one (1) complete application packet to: Office of Admissions, OSU-Cascades, Cascades Hall,
2600 NW College Way, Bend, OR 97701
The application packet should contain the following. Applicants are strongly advised to keep copies of all
materials submitted.
___ 1. This application checklist signed and dated (p. 3)
___ 2. Candidate Contact Information (p. 4)
___ 3. Form B: Subject Matter Competency List (pp. 5 & 6)
___ 4. Documentation of Educational Experience (p. 7)
___ 5. Essay (see instructions, p. 8)
___ 6. TSPC Character Questionnaire, signed and dated (p. 9 & 10)
___ 7. Three (3) letters of recommendation (MAT website > Apply Now > Application Materials)
 One letter must come from an educator who has observed you in a formal school setting,
attesting to your competence in working with school-age children at the authorization
level(s) you are seeking.
 A second letter must attest to your academic ability with regard to graduate level
coursework.
 The third letter must speak to your character and aptitude for the teaching profession.
___ 8. Notice of Required tests:
a. CBEST Must receive passing scores before licensure program begins in June 2013.
b. NES Must receive passing scores before licensure program begins in June 2013.
 Elementary Education I & II
c. ORELA Protecting Student and Civil Rights in the Educational Environment
___ 9. One official copy of the transcript from each college and university attended, (except OSU if
applicable)
By my signature, I verify that all application information submitted is true, accurate, and complete.
Signature of Applicant ___________________________________________________________ Date _____________
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Candidate Contact Information
(
)
Home Phone
NAME:
Last
First
Middle
OSU Student ID Number:
(if applicable)
Birth Date:
(
)
Work Phone
SSN: XXX - XX -
Mailing Address:
(
)
Message Phone
Email Address:
(
)
Cell Phone/Pager
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Oregon State University – Cascades Campus
Professional Teacher Education Program
Master of Arts in Teaching (Multiple Subject Endorsement for ECE/ELE Authorizations)
Subject Matter Competency List
Name
OSU ID #
University
Degree
e-mail
Major
Date
Please cite your course work in each of the areas listed below. Courses may be shown in more than one place. Include courses in which you
are currently enrolled or plan to take. Only list courses in which you received a grade of C- or better.
Required Competency Area
Example:
English Composition
Course
Number
Course Title
Credits*
HIST 231
History of the Americas
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see note
Grade
University/College
Term
& Year
B
Oregon State University
Sp/03
9 quarter hours required
Literature
3 quarter hours required; (9
recommended)
Mathematics
9 quarter hours required
Must include MTH 211 & MTH 212/213
Science
12 quarter hours required
Physical, Life & Earth recommended
Must include a lab science.
Social Sciences
12 quarter hours required.
Must include:
US History or Western Civilization
Cultural Geography
*Note: Show in Quarter Credits: multiply semester credits by 1.5 to show quarter credits.(ex. 4 cr. semester class is worth 6 quarter credits)
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List other courses you have taken in any of these competency areas.
Other Competency Area
Course Number
Course Title
Credits
Grade
University/College
Term &
Year
Art
Introduction to visual arts; Art for Teachers
recommended; art history suggested.
Foreign Language
Conversational capabilities in a second
language recommended
Health
Personal health; dimensions of health;
school health suggested
Music
Music appreciation; function of music in
culture; music for teachers recommended.
Physical Education
Physical Activity for children; movement
concepts; fitness; movement forms
recommended.
Speech/ Communications
Public speaking recommended
Technology/Computers
Competence with PC or Macintosh;
applications and implications of computers
suggested
Prerequisite Coursework
Please indicate OSU courses taken with the grade received for course. If taken at another institution (except COCC), a waiver must be submitted. Waiver process
instructions and forms can be downloaded from the MAT application materials page on the OSU Cascades website. www.osucascades.edu
TCE 411 Educational Psychology
TCE 416 Foundations of Education
HDFS 311 Infant& Child Development
Test Requirements:
Other Requirements:
CBEST or EAS
CPR
TCE 419 Multicultural Issues in Education
HDFS 330 Fostering Learning in Early Childhood
NES Elementary Education I & II
NEA Student Member Insurance
I
II
ORELA Protecting Student and Civil Rights
TSPC Fingerprint Clearance
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Documentation of Educational Experience
Education:
Degree Granting University: ____________________________________ Month/Year: _______
Degree Received: ______________ Major: __________________________________________
Additional Degree(s): ________________ University: _____________________ Year: _______
Name of Institution
Description of Experience
ELE
Total
Hours
ECE – age 3 – Grade 4
ELE – Grade 3 - 8
ECE
Public School Experience: (90 hours required)
Related Experience: (please explain)
Other experience working with children in a formal school setting:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Coursework in diversity or experience working with diverse learners:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Demonstrable experiences in multiple cultures:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Proficiency in a language other than English:
Language: ____________________ Level of Proficiency: beginning conversational
fluent
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ESSAY GUIDE
The following are the foundational values of the Oregon State University College of Education
that lay the foundation for our mission and vision. http://oregonstate.edu/education/values.html
 Caring - ethics and integrity shown through empathy, compassion, and a commitment to
celebrate others, which ultimately improves our collective social, educational, psychological, and
physical well-being.
 Connection - brings people together, fosters internal and external collaboration, relationships,
and networking, builds capacity, and adds to our understanding of complexity.
 Creativity - openness and curiosity to explore new and different ideas; willingness to share,
learn, and experiment; the strength to persevere; and, sometimes, the courage to let go.
 Culture - exemplified through developing competence related to diverse cultures, individuals,
perspectives, and values that create an environment of acceptance, appreciation, and respect and
justice for others.
Using these foundational principles as your guide,
(1) Describe your purpose/motivation for wanting to enter the field of professional education as
an early childhood or elementary education teacher.
(2) Define the foundational principle above that you consider to be the most important and
explain why you believe it to be so.
(3) Describe the character traits and dispositions necessary in sustaining a career in teaching (see
below).
The essay should be no more than 1000 words in length (typed, double spaced), and should
represent your best writing. An APA cover page is not necessary, but the essay should include a
running head with your name. The essay should reflect proper use of grammar and conventions
(i.e. spelling, punctuation, capitalization, word choice, etc.).
Dispositions
Respect & Compassion - interaction with others (colleagues, faculty) include empathy & respectful language;
attentive listening
Initiative - responds to discussion prompts, takes lead in group activities, actively participates when appropriate,
proactive
Punctuality & Reliability - assigned work is turned in on time, complete; attends class on time; follows through with
commitments
Enthusiasm & Passion - energy for subject matter, participation, engaged
Self-Awareness - sense of self development; poise; comfortable in own skin; developed “who” that teaches; is
present
Maturity & Judgment - behaviors and attitudes of thoughtfulness, awareness of perspective and view of “other”
Collegiality - works as a part of a team, challenges and stretches own thinking as well as others
Acceptance & Implementation of Constructive Criticism - willingness to listen to feedback with openness; considers
the implementation of advice
Communication - written and oral communication is respectful, appropriate and timely
Self-Evaluation & Reflection - engaged in reflective practice, sense of humor, growth from challenge
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Instructions for Answering Character Questions
1. You must read each question very carefully and provide either a “yes” or a “no” answer. When in
doubt, answer “yes” and explain why you think the answer might be a “yes.” Each answer is carefully
reviewed. If you do not need to answer “yes”, on future applications, you will be notified.
2. If you answer “no” to all questions and your fingerprint report or your criminal background check
reveals that you have not disclosed a conviction or a possible conviction, this will be considered a false
statement and may result in an investigation. If you are asked to explain why you did not disclose, your
answer will be reviewed to determine if it is reasonable in light of the facts. A false statement on the
application is grounds for denial or revocation of an Oregon Educator License.
3. Explain your answers fully, in complete sentences. Typed answers are preferred; please do not write
your answer on scrap paper. This is a professional application and your responses are kept as part of your
permanent licensure file. Do not minimize your explanations. Incomplete responses may be a basis for
denying your application and will delay the processing of your licensure application. Sign and date your
explanation.
4. An arrest can happen without “going to jail.” In Oregon and in many other states, arrests are not
erased from your record. If you have recently been arrested and are scheduled to appear in court in the
future, you must report this arrest and your scheduled court date.
5. Do not assume that a conviction or arrest has “gone away.” (This includes expungements and
dismissals.) Even if you have been advised that your record has been expunged or dismissed, do not
assume that this definitely happened.
Instead, it is your responsibility to obtain the court documents that confirm final action.
6. If you answer "no" to questions 8, 9 or 10 based upon an arrest or conviction that was subsequently
dismissed, expunged, set aside or sealed, you must personally verify with the court directly involved that
the corresponding judgment was properly entered by the court. It is your responsibility to report
incidents accurately. An erroneous statement, even upon advice of an attorney, that a conviction has
been dismissed, expunged, set aside or sealed, may be deemed a false statement.
7. If you answer "yes" to questions 8, 9 or 10, a certified true copy of the court’s final disposition, if
available, must accompany the first application on which the events are being reported in order for the
application to be considered complete. Obtain copies of all court records of any conviction. If a court
record is unavailable, then you must get verification from the court that the record has been destroyed.
(Even if records are destroyed, they may show up on a state or FBI report.)
8. If you give a false statement, it may be grounds for the state to deny your license or deny your right to
be placed in a practicum and could possibly result in a permanent disciplinary record. Answering with “I
forgot” or “I was told it would not be on my record” is not an acceptable answer.
9. Even if you think an incident was insignificant and therefore do not report it, this decision could
permanently affect your ability to obtain an educator’s license in Oregon.
10. Serious events include but are not limited to:
a. Shoplifting f. Criminal Neglect
b. Criminal Trespassing g. Any Drug Conviction
c. Driving under the Influence (DUI) h Assault convictions or judgments
d. Driving While Suspended i. Abuse convictions
e. Domestic Restraining Orders j. Criminal convictions for misdemeanors and felonies
11. Generally, your response to the character questions will be treated as confidential unless the
Attorney General determines that it must be turned over as a public record.
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TSPC Character Questions
Carefully read the “Instructions for Answering Character Questions” before answering.
You must answer either “yes” or “no” to each of the following questions; any other response will result in
your application being considered incomplete. All "yes" answers must be fully explained in writing on a
separate piece of paper and the explanations must be signed and dated by you.
1
Have you ever left any educational or school-related employment, voluntarily or
involuntarily, while the subject of an inquiry, review or investigation of alleged
misconduct? Have you ever left educational or school-related employment when you had
reason to believe an investigation for misconduct was underway or imminent?
2
Are you currently the subject of an inquiry, review or investigation for alleged misconduct
or alleged violation of professional standards of conduct by either an employer or a
licensure agency?
3
Have you ever been placed on leave by your employer for any alleged misconduct?
4
Have you ever had any adverse action taken on a professional certificate, license or charter
school registration? Have you ever been placed on probationary status for alleged
misconduct while holding a professional license, certificate, registration, or credential?
5
Have you ever been denied any professional license for which you applied or granted a
professional license on a conditional or probationary basis for any alleged misconduct?
6
Have you ever surrendered a professional license of any kind before its expiration?
7
Have you ever been disciplined by any public agency responsible for licensure of any kind,
including but not limited to educational licensure?
8
Have you ever been convicted or been granted a diversion or conditional discharge by any
court for any: (a) Felony; or (b) Misdemeanor; or (c) Major traffic violation including but
not limited to: driving under the influence of intoxicants or drugs; reckless driving; fleeing
from or attempting to elude a police officer; driving while your license was suspended,
revoked or used in violation of any license restriction; or failure to perform the duties of a
driver or witness at an accident?
9
Have you ever been arrested or cited for any offense listed in section (8) above which is
still pending in the courts? This includes any diversion, conditional discharge or postponed
adjudication that has not been dismissed by the courts at the time this application is
signed.
10
Have you ever had any civil judgment or other court order, including but not limited to a
restraining order, entered against you resulting from allegations of abuse, assault, battery,
harassment, intimidation, neglect, stalking, or other threatening behavior toward other
persons?

Check here if you provided an explanation for any “yes” answer with a prior application.
I hereby certify that the information submitted on or relating to this form is true and correct and grant the
Commission permission to check civil or criminal records to verify any statement made on this application.
The Commission may revoke any license upon evidence that the holder knowingly made any false
statements in the application for the license.
________________________________________________________
___________________
Signature of the Applicant
Date
*This application must be signed and dated within a reasonable time period prior to the date the application is received by TSPC.
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