LA GRANDE — Eastern Oregon University recently has opened enrollment for its Special Education Initial Teacher Licensure undergraduate program.

The program was created in response to the high demand for special education teachers across the state, according to a press release from the university. The program is overseen by Jerred Jolin, special education assistant professor.

“There’s a shortage of special education teachers in the U.S., and especially in rural Oregon,” Jolin said. “I’m enthusiastic about this project. I lead the program design because I have firsthand experiences with the positives of helping students with learning differences be successful in the classroom.”

The program is offered as a hybrid to make it more accessible to potential teachers.

Candidates who cannot move to La Grande are still able to participate in the program.

It also opens up the program to candidates who are already working in school districts as educational assistants or paraprofessionals.

All courses are offered in the early evening via Zoom to accommodate work schedules.

Students who enter into the program with an associate of arts Oregon transfer degree or who have completed a major in multidisciplinary students at Eastern can earn their bachelor’s degree within two years, while also receiving their preliminary teaching license and special educator endorsement.

“Getting the licensure at the undergraduate level is the most efficient way to do it,” Jolin said. “It provides an alternative to the previous route for obtaining this training, which required 1½ years of graduate work.”

Students who are already working in special education classrooms as instructional aides or paraprofessionals can satisfy their practicum student teaching requirements within their current job settings.

Any students not currently employed by a school district will work with the College of Education’s placement coordinator to identify classroom placements within their communities.

Enrollment is now open for fall 2024. Apply online at www.eou.edu/apply or learn more at www.eou.edu/special-education.