Education: Flightpath

Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer Degree

Why Choose To Become an Educator?

Becoming an educator puts you on a lifelong path of impacting the future of hundreds of children.

UCC is ready to give you a strong foundation for your goal of teaching at the elementary, middle school, or high school level.

The Education program at UCC provides lower division coursework for students preparing for a career in kindergarten through Grade 12 education. Students can complete their first two years of course work here at UCC and then transfer to another institution as a Junior. Once students transfer, they will be able to work toward their final degree and teaching licensure.

To speak directly with Education faculty contact Gwen Soderberg-Chase at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Transfer Guide

UCC Degree Options for Future K-12 Educators

AAOT – Elementary Education: Beginning in the fall of 2021, UCC will be offering an AAOT – Elementary Education degree. All public universities in Oregon honor this degree to transfer directly into their elementary teachers’ licensure program. Many private universities also honor this degree. Advising is still necessary to make sure you are taking the correct courses to meet university requirements.

Becoming a Middle or High School Teacher: Students wanting to teach middle or high school are advised to decide what subject matter they plan to teach and to take classes as if that subject were their major as part of earning an AAOT. Students should work closely with UCC advisors and representatives of the intended transfer institution to ensure that the coursework taken will apply to the teaching license you are seeking. Recommended Education courses to take as electives include:

ED 100 – Introduction to Education (includes a 60 practicum in local schools)
ED 200 – Foundations of Education
ED 258 – Multicultural Education

Advising Guide for AAOT – Elementary Education

View Advising Information

Transferring to University Licensure Programs

UCC partners with many universities across the state to make sure you are taking the right courses to transfer smoothly to their licensure program. Advising is key to student success on this pathway as there are ongoing updates happening in this field related to courses recommended and required at partner institutions. Education faculty at UCC works closely with students to ensure they have the latest information about course offerings, field placement, and work opportunities in the Umpqua Valley as well as current information about the transfer process.

Teach Umpqua Valley

The school districts of Douglas County are also partners of support If you are considering becoming a teacher, many high schools offer ED 100 as a dual credit option as well as practicum experiences. More information about local education opportunities can be found at Teach Umpqua Valley.

Oregon Teaching Licensure Process

If you are considering becoming a teacher, it is important to understand the licensure process. Picking the right licensure pathway is the first step.

The Oregon Department of Education and Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission provides information that outlines clear pathways to licensure with options for both high school graduates and college graduates.

View teaching licensure process information at:

Become a Teacher in Oregon

Teachers Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC)