Apply to the Sapsik'ʷałá Teacher Education Program

Application to the program is automatic when you self-identify as Native American on your UOTeach Curriculum and Teaching, or Special Education application. 

Prospective students seeking UOTeach MEd & Teaching Licensure:

  • Review UOTeach and Sapsik’ʷałá websites
  • Attend a UOTeach info session
  • Contact Sapsik’ʷałá Program Coordinator (sapsikwala@uoregon.edu) to discuss program requirements
  • Request application partial discount letter from Sapsik’ʷałá Program Coordinator (sapsikwala@uoregon.edu)
  • Complete UOTeach/Sapsik’ʷałá application through the UO Division of Graduate Studies online portal
  • The application includes:
    • Personal statement of purpose reflecting on Indigenous education goals
    • Provide contact information for three professional references (preferably two by Tribal people in the field of Indigenous education)
    • Provide experience working with youth
    • UOTeach/CTED applicants: Select embedded Sapsik’ʷałá application
      • Complete Sapsik’ʷałá application providing information on your ties to AI/AN community, your goals in becoming an Indigenous teacher, your academic preparation, and your support network from your tribal community
      • Complete and upload 506 Indian Student eligibility Certification form
      • Upload a copy of Tribal ID or CIB documentation
      • Preferred, at least 1 tribal reference
    • Resume, transcripts, and academic preparation forms
    • Evidence of a passing subject ORELA area test (scoring 220+)

Licensed teachers seeking a Master in Curriculum & Teacher Education (CTED) degree:

  • Sapsik’ʷałá funding is limited to applicants seeking to add a secondary endorsement in high need areas including Math, Sciences, and ESOL. Applicants must demonstrate academic background knowledge.
  • Request application partial discount letter from Sapsik’ʷałá Program Coordinator (sapsikwala@uoregon.edu).
    • CTED applicants: Select embedded Sapsik’ʷałá application
      • Complete Sapsik’ʷałá application providing information on your ties to AI/AN community, your goals in becoming an Indigenous teacher, your academic preparation, and your support network from your tribal community
      • Complete and upload 506 Indian Student eligibility Certification form
      • Upload a copy of Tribal ID or CIB documentation
      • Preferred, at least 1 tribal reference
    • Resume, transcripts, and academic preparation forms
    • Evidence of a passing subject ORELA area test (scoring 220+)
  • If you are currently an out of state teacher, begin the process of transferring your teaching license to Oregon

What is needed for prospective students seeking Special Education MEd:

  • Sapsik’ʷałá participants may pursue a Special Education master’s degree if they are entering the program with an Oregon teaching license
  • Contact Sapsik’ʷałá Program Coordinator (sapsikwala@uoregon.edu) to discuss program requirements
  • Special Education applicants MEd: Apply to program
  • Request application partial discount letter from Sapsik’ʷałá Program Coordinator (sapsikwala@uoregon.edu)
  • Complete the SPED program application and Sapsik’ʷałá application, please contact Special Education Program Coordinator, Elisa Jamgochian for program details at ejamgoch@uoregon.edu, (541) 346-5185
  • Applications open in October (annually)

Scholarships

All Sapsik’ʷałá applicants are encouraged to apply for College of Education scholarships, the Diversity Excellence Scholarship, and the General University Scholarship. Learn more about additional funding assistance to accompany Sapsik’ʷałá funds for your MEd..


Housing

Sapsik’ʷałá applicants are encouraged to begin housing applications as soon as they are admitted to the program. University Housing provides University Apartments and Family Housing which offers a wonderful environment suited for students with children, students who are married or in a domestic partnership, and students who are at least twenty years old.


Contact Information

Melina Pastos (Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation descendant) 
Sapsik'ʷałá (Teacher) Education Assistant Director


sapsikwala@uoregon.edu
541-346-2454

Michelle M. Jacob, PhD (Yakama)
Sapsik'ʷałá Program, Co-Director
 

Leilani Sabzalian Ph.D. (Alutiiq) 
Sapsik'ʷałá Program, Co-Director