Big Plans: Graduate School of Education

The Graduate School of Education prepares professionals to meet the lifelong educational needs of our region, with programs enhanced by the human and cultural richness of PSU's urban setting. It is Oregon's largest, most comprehensive school of education and prepares more teachers, counselors and administrators for licensure than any other institution in the state. A gift to the Graduate School of Education is truly an investment in the future.

Scholarships

Give Now

Riddle: How can you give 500 people $1,000 by spending only $1,000?
Answer: Contribute the $1,000 to the Graduate School of Education for scholarships.

Example: An elementary school teacher-to-be who graduates from PSU will probably teach 25 children each year for 20 years. That's 500 young lives touched, 500 young minds placed on a life-long path of learning and accomplishment. (The math's equally impressive for secondary school teachers, who teach up to 100 students each year.)

Most Graduate School of Education students will work and raise families in the area. Many are single parents; some are making a career change. Students who head into the teaching profession do so for love, not money—starting salaries for teachers average $30,000 per year. Scholarships offer students far more than critical financial assistance; your support shows students that you believe in them and the work they will be doing.

The need for scholarships is compelling and critical for our students more than ever before. Tuition increases force many to assess whether they can enter or continue their programs. In 2003, 175 students applied for scholarships. The good news: 60 received one. The bad news: 115 did not. People like you can help close the scholarship gap. Every gift counts! To support tomorrow's teachers, choose one of these funds:

  • Graduate School of Education Scholarships
  • Art Terry Scholar's Fund for Counselor Education
  • Special Education Fund
  • Math & Science Teacher Education Fund

OR you may designate gifts to the following student support funds:

  • Friends of the Graduate School of Education (offers scholarships specifically directed to teacher shortage areas)
  • Mary Kinnick PACE Scholarship Fund
  • Sheldon Maron Endowed Scholarship in Special Education
  • Eleanor Hardt Endowed Memorial Scholarship in Teacher Education
  • James Williams Student Leadership Award (for an outstanding EMS 8th grade student)
  • GSE Student Emergency Fund

See what our students have to say about scholarships.

Program Enhancement

Give Now

Teachers, administrators, counselors and other education professionals need tools—and continuing education opportunities to enhance their work. Contributions to support programs of the Graduate School of Education provide a critical margin of excellence. Here are a few examples:

  • Technology—schools expect practitioners who are proficient with up to date equipment and software. Funds are needed to acquire current technology and train those who use it in the classroom.
  • Field trips for pre-service math and science teachers offer hands-on training models that will be used in their future classrooms.
  • Teaching materials and resources are an ongoing need in all curricular areas—science/math, arts, reading, social sciences and more.
  • Professional development funds for Graduate School of Education faculty, staff and students support research and development and allow dissemination of results regionally and nationally, building and enhancing the reputation of the School.
  • The Counselor Education Clinic on the PSU campus and in the David Douglas District address "overflow" from community agency and school counselors and provide meaningful internships for students.

To help make the Graduate School of Education an environment in which educators can do their best work, choose one of these program enhancement funds and make a real difference:

  • Graduate School of Education Dean's Fund, designated for the School's work in all areas
  • Special Education Fund
  • Math & Science Teacher Education Fund
  • Administrative Leadership Program (EPFA) Fund

OR you may designate gifts to the following programs:

For more information about scholarships and programs at the Graduate School of Education, contact Sandy Wiscarson, Director of Development, at (503) 725-4789 or wiscars@pdx.edu.