Online Elementary Education Teaching Certificate

Why pursue your certificate in elementary education at Linfield?

Take advantage of our 100% online program format

We prioritize flexibility by offering online programs with part-time and full-time enrollment options. During the teaching licensure program, you can attend online classes during the evenings and summer sessions so you can continue working while pursuing your academic goals. We also utilize rolling admissions, allowing numerous start dates throughout the year. Finish your teacher certification in just one year and expedite your career change.

Spend time working in classrooms

At Linfield, you learn by doing. Toward the end of the program, you participate in a full-time student-teaching placement — an integral component of your development as a professional educator and part of the process of obtaining your Oregon teaching license. You gain experience managing a classroom, crafting lesson plans and curriculum, working one-on-one with students who need extra support and fulfilling administrative responsibilities. You spend almost 600 hours in a classroom, fine-tuning your pedagogical approach and connecting with seasoned teachers. Already working as a teacher on a restricted license?  We work collaboratively with school districts in an effort to arrange for on-the-job student teaching experiences.

Diversify your skills by adding an endorsement

Working as an elementary school teacher requires a versatile skill set. To expand your areas of expertise, you can add an endorsement in Pre-K-12 Special Education or English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). Adding an endorsement helps you specialize your teaching expertise to instruct and support students of all capabilities and diverse backgrounds. Endorsements can also positively impact your career trajectory by opening up new or advanced career opportunities and increasing your earning potential.

Elementary education certification program curriculum

We designed the online elementary teacher licensure program to provide comprehensive training that targets all the skills and expertise needed to become an influential educator.

During our 41-credit program, you enroll in nine online classes and complete one student-teaching position in a local elementary school. Your teaching certification courses begin with a fundamental overview of how to manage a classroom effectively. From teaching methods to evaluating student performance, you acquire practical competencies that empower you to maintain an orderly classroom and deliver high-quality instruction.

You also take five classes devoted to teaching science, mathematics, social studies, arts and literacy. These subject-specific courses help you deepen your understanding of each area of study and equip you with age-appropriate learning strategies, assessment techniques and curriculum planning.

Lastly, you embark on a full-time student-teaching practicum to put all of your theoretical knowledge into practice. Through this immersive experience, you gain firsthand insight into the many challenges and rewards of teaching.

Career outlook for elementary teachers in Oregon

Elementary teachers form the foundation of the education system and play an essential role in inspiring students and cultivating their intellectual curiosity.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that while the national employment of kindergarten and elementary school teachers has declined by 1%, almost 106,500 jobs will open annually through 2033. However, Oregon’s employment trends for elementary teachers look quite different. O*NET OnLine projects that these rates will increase by 12% and generate more than 1,000 new jobs yearly.

On average, elementary teachers working in Oregon earn an annual salary of $82,000, which is nearly $20,000 more than the national median income of other kindergarten and elementary school educators.

Apply to the online elementary education teaching program

There’s no need to overcomplicate the application process. At Linfield, we keep it simple so you can focus on planning for your future. For acceptance into the teaching licensure program, you must meet the following criteria:

• An undergraduate bachelor's degree.
• Official transcripts from all previously attended academic institutions.

When applying, simply submit your online application, including any supplemental materials, and pay a $50 application fee by the following deadlines:

• Priority admission deadline for summer start: June 10
• Priority admission deadline for fall start: Aug. 10
• Priority admission deadline for spring start: Jan. 10

Before beginning the application process, please review our more in-depth admission information.

Tuition and cost

At Linfield, we help you invest in your future by offering competitive tuition rates, valuable student resources and useful guidance from our Office of Financial Aid staff.

The cost of the elementary education certification program is $260 per credit, or $11,100, including all tuition and fees.

While federal financial aid is not available for certificate programs, some school districts may reimburse or assist their employees who take these courses. We encourage you to contact your school district to see if this is an option for you.

Enrich your career opportunities — become an elementary teacher in 12 months

Reach your highest potential at Linfield University. With competitive tuition rates and flexible formats, our Elementary Education Certificate online program supports your professional growth. Strengthen your content knowledge and practical teaching skills so you can cultivate safe learning environments where all students can excel.