Program Snapshot
The Dual Education program at Portland State University is designed to address the critical shortage of special education teachers in Oregon. The Department of Curriculum and Instruction and the Department of Special Education joined together to meet the need of the surrounding communities to increase the number of teachers who are skilled in effective practices for a variety of students. Graduates of the program are equipped to implement inclusive and equitable practices.
Efficacy of the Program
Teacher candidates in the secondary dual licensure program are required to be in classrooms under the guidance of expert mentor teachers for two years prior to graduation. Teachers feel they are prepared to implement lessons that address each of their students’ needs. Portland State graduates exemplify this practice through their instruction and engages every student in their learning.
Developing and Sustaining Partnerships
Mentor teachers actively seek out teacher candidates from Portland State University. Teacher candidates come to the classroom with the mindset that all students can learn: inclusion and equity is seen as the foundation to education. Teacher candidates immerse themselves in their mentor teacher’s classroom and develop their teaching craft and understanding of subject content through the lens of a special education teacher.
