New K-12 teaching degrees diversify the teacher workforce
PORTLAND, Ore. – April 19, 2021–Warner Pacific University (WPU) announces degree programs that support the state’s Grow-Your-Own/Teacher Partnership Pathway Grant.
“Warner Pacific’s commitment to serving all university students in an equitable, inclusive way is a natural fit for these GYO programs. Our accelerated, one-evening-per-week programs are designed to make the dream of becoming a teacher a reality,” said WPU’s Dean of Education Dr. Marty Palacios, an Oregon educator and administrator for 30 years.
WPU stands by the motto, “in the city, for the city” and is excited to offer these programs to people interested in completing a degree that leads to a teaching license in an accessible format. A new cohort for the accelerated master’s degree in teaching (MAT) began last month and another group of students begins in April for the bachelor of science in early childhood/elementary education (BSED).
Warner’s work with local GYO partners includes a “Coaches to Classroom” cadre within the group of paraprofessionals from PPS, DDSD and other regional school systems. WPU is also working collaboratively to support a GYO group led by the Multnomah Educational Service District that includes multiple East County School Districts and Portland Community College.
Grow Your Own grants are funded by the Oregon Department of Education and the Educator Advancement Council. They support regional and local partnerships to diversify the teacher workforce and to implement Oregon’s culturally responsive legislative initiatives to eliminate barriers to provide more equitable pathways to teacher licensure.