Elementary Education Degree Completion Program
How do students pay for this program?
Typically through loans via the FAFSA organization
What about scholarships or grants?
Limited scholarships are available to our full-time students. The admissions application is used to determine the allocation of these scholarships. No further application is required.
How can I work, go to school, and still have time for my family?
George Fox has designed the degree-completion program to accommodate your schedule. You’ll have approximately 12 to 15 hours of homework each week in addition to your one evening class per week and one Saturday per month. With organization and planning, the program is manageable.
Will I be required to set up my own student-teaching placement?
No. Although you will have some influence on where you are placed for student teaching, we ask that you do not try to arrange your student-teaching assignment. It is a very complex process, and we have a great placement director who will make sure you have a placement that will meet all the licensing requirements.
I am working as a teaching assistant and may want to enter the program. May I do my student teaching in the school where I am currently employed?
Traditionally, we have not encouraged students to do student teaching in the facility where they volunteer or are employed as assistants. Established relationships may be a help; they also may be a hindrance. Since student teaching is an important piece of the licensure process, we have found that it is generally more effective for everyone to be on the same playing field. In addition, placement in a new environment provides students with a larger perspective and a new network of acquaintances, all of which add to the value of their education.
I’ve heard that George Fox is a Christian university. What part does religion play in the program?
Our program offers a unique, refreshing and distinctive environment. On one hand, students are not required to be from any particular faith. On the other hand, everyone on the George Fox staff and faculty is a Christian, committed to treating each individual with dignity and respect, but also free to offer Christian perspectives. There is no discrimination for religious belief or lack of it; instead there is freedom to explore and converse. All students will complete a course entitled Christian Faith and Thought.
What is the process for admissions?
Submit your application and all supplemental materials. The checklist is included in the application. One needs to pass the CBEST or Praxis I (PPST) test prior to being accepted to the elementary ed major and you need to take (but not necessarily pass) the ORELA: Multiple Subjects prior to beginning the elementary education major. A student needs to have 31 semester hours of transferable credit, most of which should be in general education. We would like to see at least half of your general education courses completed prior to starting the major. Once all of the paperwork is complete, the admissions committee reviews your file. If you meet the basic criteria, you will be invited to a group assessment interview. Once this step is completed, you will be notified in about two weeks as to the status of your acceptance to the major.
Must I send a competed application, or are pieces of my application accepted?
You may send one piece at a time, although we prefer complete applications. This allows you to relax, knowing that everything is on its way in one package. If one of your pieces does arrive before your application, our office will begin a file and collect others as they come in. You will be updated by email of your status.
Who should I have complete recommendation forms for me?
Ideally, your recommendations will come from individuals who have seen you in classroom interacting with children. If you have not had experience in the classroom, you may want to create some by volunteering prior to submitting your application, or taking a college course such as “ Intro to Education,” that officers a public-school classroom practicum. A second choice is to ask individuals who have seen you interacting with children in other situations (i.e. camps, sports, Sunday school). You may ask a college professor, mentor, or employer as well. Feel free to contact admissions to review your options.
Can I contact someone for more information?
Yes, you are free to fill out our online form, e-mail, phone, or visit in person with our admissions counselor or professor in the department. E-mail us at teach@georgefox.edu or 800-631-0921 or 503-554-2260.