Teacher Education-Preservice

• Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) with Initial Teaching License: Early Childhood/Elementary

The Graduate Admissions office will confirm via email the receipt and status of your application packet. Any outstanding items will be noted.

Applicants will also receive email notification when the application file is complete and ready for faculty review.

Application Process

Application priority deadline: December 1
Applications are processed: December 1 - December 15
Completed files go to faculty for review: early January
Admissions decisions sent to students: beginning mid-February

After the application priority deadline has passed, applications will continue to be processed and completed application files will continue to be reviewed by program faculty on a space available basis.

NOTE: The M.A.T. Preservice program is full-time only and begins once a year in June.

Admissions Expectations

Lewis & Clark looks for applicants with a background in the liberal arts such as Humanities, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Mathematics, and Fine Arts. All applicants to the M.A.T. with Initial Teaching License: Early Childhood/Elementary program must exhibit competency in mathematics and science and have prior experience working with children in a supervised classroom setting. Click here for a list of volunteer opportunities in the Portland area.

Application Requirements

To receive priority consideration for admission and scholarships, applications and all supporting materials (transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.) must be received by the Graduate Admissions Office by the December 1 application deadline.

The following application materials are required:

1. Application Form
   You may use our online application or our paper application (pdf.). You may also contact the Graduate Office of Admissions to receive an application packet by mail.
2. Application Fee
   A $50 nonrefundable application fee is required. Online application: the fee is payable with a credit card or electronic check. Paper application: submit a check payable to "Lewis & Clark College". Alumni of the graduate school will have the opportunity to request an application fee waiver.
3. Four Personal Essays
   Download our Personal Essays Form (pdf.) for essay topics and instructions. Essays may be submitted electronically (email attachment or as part of the online application) or in paper format (mailed or faxed).
4. Three Letters of Recommendation
   Three letters and three Recommendation for Admission forms (pdf.) must be submitted. The forms and letters should be written by three individuals who know you and are qualified to evaluate your academic competence, character and/or experience in professional or leadership roles. Professors, supervisors, and employers are often the best sources. References from a personal therapist, family members, or friends are not accepted.

   NOTE: One letter of recommendation should be written by an individual who has observed and/or supervised your work with children or youth in an education setting. The letter writer should specifically address his or her observations in the letter.

5. Official Transcripts
   Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution or the foreign equivalent. Official, sealed transcripts must be submitted from each postsecondary institution attended regardless of the length of study or the number of courses taken. Faxed transcripts are not considered official by the Graduate School. Graduates of a non-U.S. university system are required to provide officially evaluated and translated copies of all their college transcripts. Official evaluations and translations are done by outside agencies. Information regarding three such agencies can be found by going to Information for International Students.
6. Mathematics and Science Competency
   Applicants applying to the Early Childhood/Elementary program must exhibit competency in mathematics and science through the successful completion of a minimum of a 100-level college mathematics course and a 100-level science course. Please provide official, sealed transcripts. See item 5. above.
7. Grade Point Average (GPA)
   All applicants must hold a minimum 2.75 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in their undergraduate degree.
8. Resume
   Submit a current professional resume listing positions, prior education, awards, classroom experience, and volunteer activities.
9. Test Scores
   Test scores are not required for admission to M.A.T. Preservice programs. However, if PRAXIS, CBEST, ORELA, and or WESTB tests have been taken, scores should be included with the application. Official or unofficial copies of your scores are acceptable for admissions purposes. Go to M.A.T. Preservice Test Information for more information.

Interview

Qualified applicants will be invited to interview with Teacher Education faculty. Selection will be based on initial faculty review of completed applications.

Reapplicants

Application files for the M.A.T. Preservice program are kept for one year. If reapplying for the following year, you will need to submit a new application form and the $50 application fee. If you would like us to use the essay(s), resume, and/or letters of recommendation that were submitted with your old application please notify us of this in writing. If you wish to submit new essays, resume, or letters, send these in with your new application form. The Admissions office will notify you of any additional required documentation. If you are reapplying more than a year from your previous application, you will need to resubmit all required application materials.

Additional Information

• Testing Information
• Career & Licensing Services

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