Student Preparation

To take your first steps toward becoming a teacher, or simply to explore teaching as a potential career, the Education Department recommends the following.

1. Enroll in ED 216

ED 216 is the LBCC course on Purpose, Structure, and Function of Education in a Democracy.

2. Meet with an education advisor

Meeting with an education advisor is vital to your college success. It will save you both time and money. Through accurate and up-to-date advising, LBCC helps future teachers select appropriate classes. For example, elementary school teachers take different course work than high school English teachers. Additionally, the Colleges of Education located at various universities are unique and require different coursework for students in their first two years of college.

3. Understand the requirements for your teaching license

To earn a preliminary teaching license in the state of Oregon, teaching candidates must complete the following requirements:

  • Earn a bachelor's degree or higher
  • Graduate from a state-accredited institution and state-approved teacher education program
  • Pass the Orela Civil Rights test
  • Pass the appropriate subject area tests
  • Pass a criminal background check
  • Apply to TSPC (Teacher Standards Practices Commission) for teaching credentials

The faculty in the LBCC Education department look forward to working with you.