My.EOU Portal Current Students Faculty/Staff
Apply Visit Request Info Give Now
LA GRANDE, Ore. – In response to the high demand for Special Education teachers in Oregon, EOU proudly offers its Special Education Initial Teacher Licensure (SEITL) Undergraduate hybrid program. The hybrid nature of this program addresses the shortage of SPED teachers in Oregon by making it accessible to potential teacher candidates who are unable to move to La Grande, or those who are already working as school district employees and need to keep their jobs as educational assistants or paraprofessionals. All courses are offered in the early evenings via Zoom to accommodate work schedules.
“There’s a shortage of special education teachers in the U.S., and especially in rural Oregon,” said SEITL Program Coordinator, Dr. Jerred Jolin. “I’m enthusiastic about this project. I lead the program design because I have firsthand experiences with the positives of helping students with learning differences be successful in the classroom.”
Students who transfer with an AAOT degree, or EOU students who have completed a major in multidisciplinary studies, can earn a bachelor’s degree and receive a preliminary teaching license and special educator endorsement, within two years. With practicums, hands-on experiences, and a focus on supporting students in rural communities, this unique program is designed to make a meaningful impact.
“Getting the licensure at the undergraduate level is the most efficient way to do it,” Jolin said. “It provides an alternative to the previous route for obtaining this training, which required 1.5 years of graduate work.”
For students who are already working as instructional aides or paraprofessionals in special education classrooms, they can satisfy practicum student teaching t requirements in those settings.. Students who are not employed by a school district while in the program work with the College of Education’s Placement Coordinator to identify classroom placements in their Communities.The SEITL undergraduate hybrid program is open for enrollment for fall 2024. Apply eou.edu/apply or learn more at eou.edu/special-education.
« EOU presents H2O, fast-paced song & dance show | Student Advocacy in Action: EOU Gears Up for Lobby Day on Feb. 8, 2024 »
EOU Navigators Club presents: 34th Annual Island Magic Lu’au & Show, Saturday, May 18, 2024 LA GRANDE, Ore. – After a brief hiatus, the Navigators Club at Eastern Oregon University is thrilled to announce the return of the 34th Island Magic Lu’au and Show. The Lu’au will be held on May 18, 2024, with a […]Read more
From Film Festivals to Community Hub: HQ’s Journey Eastern Oregon University, Oregon’s Official Rural University and a cornerstone of eastern Oregon, is continuing the “Bridging Horizons: EOU’s Community Partnerships Spotlight” series. This initiative is a monthly showcase designed to highlight the collaborations between EOU and the diverse businesses and organizations in the region. LA GRANDE, […]Read more
Eastern Oregon University Featured in Chronicle of Higher Education for Pioneering Rural Student Success LA GRANDE, Ore. – Eastern Oregon University (EOU), Oregon’s official Rural University, is pleased to announce it has been featured in a comprehensive case study by the Chronicle of Higher Education. “How a Rural College Works to Prevent Brain Drain,” highlights […]Read more