Would you like to share your love of science with the next generation?
Our program is looking for knowledgeable, creative, bold, and passionate science teacher applicants who are committed to a career of helping students make sense of the world around them and connect science to their everyday life.
Our faculty work to deepen your exploration of equity-based science practices and acquaint you with various instructional principles and practices for student-centered science through inquiry.
UOTeach alumni aim to transform students’ ability to engage in critical and science-based practices locally, regionally, tribally, nationally, and globally.
Program Features
- Science instructional methods courses with teacher experts
- 34-weeks of field-based, public-school practicum with outstanding science faculty and mentor teachers
- An integrated and equitable approach to serving the diverse learning needs of students from different sociocultural communities.
- 4-term postbaccalaureate program leading to a master's degree in education and licensure
- In-program support for completing requirements for adding additional endorsements (of your choice) to your license
Pre-Program Content Preparation for Admissions
The UOTeach licensure program is approved based on the following content area academic preparation guidelines:
Science Education Academic
Preparation Form
Biology
Applicants to the biology endorsement program typically come from undergraduate majors in:
- biology
- environmental studies/sciences
- any biological sciences degree such as:
- biochemistry
- bioengineering
- genetics
- molecular biology
- marine biology
Applicants will be required to submit a biology academic preparation form listing courses from their undergraduate and/or post-baccalaureate transcript that align with state standards for academic preparation in:
- ecology and environment
- genetics and evolution
- natural sciences
- biochemistry and cell biology
- biological unity and diversity
These courses align with the required NES/ORELA test.
Endorsement is designed for all standard science courses grades 6–12 as well as AP Biology and IB Biology.
Chemistry
Applicants to the chemistry endorsement typically come from undergraduate majors in chemistry, or any other degree in the chemical sciences (chemical engineering, biochemistry) or equivalent majors.
Applicants will be required to submit a chemistry academic preparation form listing courses from their undergraduate and/or post-baccalaureate transcript that align with state standards for academic preparation in:
- chemical reactions
- energy
- bonding
- matter and atomic structure
- stoichiometry and solutions
- natural sciences
Endorsement is designed for all standard science courses grades 6–12 as well as AP Chemistry and IB Chemistry.
Physics
Applicants to the physics endorsement typically come from undergraduate majors in physics, or any other degree in:
- astronomy
- engineering
- equivalent majors
Applicants will be required to submit a physics academic preparation form listing courses from their undergraduate and/or post-baccalaureate transcript that align with state standards for academic preparation in:
- modern physics
- mechanics
- electricity and magnetism
- natural sciences
Endorsement is designed for all standard science courses grades 6-12 as well as AP Physics and IB Physics.
General / Integrated Sciences
Applicants to the integrated sciences endorsement typically come from undergraduate majors in:
- biology
- chemistry
- physics
- integrated physical science
- physical science
- life science
- engineering
- earth science, e.g.:
- marine science
- geology
- meterology
- astronomy
- equivalent majors
Applicants will be required to submit an integrated science academic preparation form listing courses from their undergraduate and/or post-baccalaureate transcript that align with state standards for academic preparation in:
- physical science
- life science
- earth/space science
- natural science
Endorsement is designed for all standard science courses grades 6-12 as well as AP Environmental Science and IB Environmental Systems.
Subject Area Testing Requirement
UOTeach requires a passing Oregon Educator Licensing Assessment (NES/ORELA) test in one of the following science areas for admissions.
Applicants are encouraged to take the test early in the application process.
The test may be taken on campus or at any other testing facility available through NES/ORELA. The test may be taken multiple times but admissions cannot be finalized without a passing score.
- Biology #305 ORELA: Passing Score = 220 (See Test Framework)
- Chemistry #306 ORELA: Passing Score = 220
- Physics #308 ORELA: Passing Score = 220
- General / Integrated Science #311 ORELA: Passing Score = 220 (See NES Test Framework)
Your official results are not required (although preferred) for the January application deadline. Scores obtained after the deadline should be emailed to UOTeach@uoregon.edu asap.
Out-of-state applicants must take the NES/ORELA subject area test. The Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) accepts NES test equivalents for students from in-state licensure programs.
If you have questions or would like to petition the Oregon TSPC, email contact.tspc@oregon.gov.
Looking for Study Materials?
The UO Library has ORELA study guides. Materials can also be requested through the library Summit network system. From the UO website, go to UO Library and type Oregon Educator Licensure Assessments in the Library Search. If books are not available on campus, you can “Place a Summit Request” through the Interlibrary Loan (ILL). If you have questions call 541-346-3055 or email ill@uoregon.edu. Books are typically available for six days.
Testing Fee Waiver
Students on financial aid can apply to NES for a test fee waiver. This process takes several weeks and must be completed prior to registering for the test.
Complete the fee waiver application and bring it to your Financial Aid office for process.
UOTeach does not require the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)