George Fox ELED Adult Degree Program

Our amazing graduates at commencement last night! We are so proud of these teachers and the incredible work they will continue to do in the classroom for years to come. Congratulations Class of 2023! 💛💙

https://ktvz.com/news/education/2023/02/09/george-fox-university-program-helps-central-oregonians-become-teachers-schools-address-shortages/

George Fox University program helps Central Oregonians become teachers, schools address shortages - KTVZ George Fox University in Newberg says it's seeing success with its program to help more people train to earn a degree, obtain a license and become badly needed teachers at schools across the state, including in Central Oregon.

ELED graduate Kayla Kneeland was recently featured on the Bruin Blog! Check out her story to learn about the great work she's doing at Warm Springs K-8 Academy, making an impact every day in the community where she grew up.

Kayla earned her teaching degree in just 20 months through our adult degree program, all while juggling work and a family. YOU can make an impact in your community too by finishing your degree through George Fox! Reach out today to learn more.

'I Promise I'll Be Back' Elementary Education student Kayla Kneeland By earning her bachelor’s in the elementary education degree completion program at George Fox University, Kayla Kneeland stays invested in her community on the Warm Springs Reservation, where she was born and raised.

Check out this feature of ELED Class of 2019 graduate Yolanda Santellano! We are so proud of the great work our graduates do every day in the classroom. Congrats, Yolanda!

https://redmondschools.org/team-spotlight-yolanda-santellano/?fbclid=IwAR31x4jHZ8MDcZnSUwpSy9RadbHIabSRssKnREqje6T0Q2shni49DDoaQ_4

Team Spotlight: Yolanda Santellano | Redmond School District Team Spotlight: Yolanda Santellano April 25, 2022 Hugh Hartman first-grade Dual Language teacher Yolanda Santellano, who works hard to make sure students become bilingual and biliterate in English and Spanish. How long have you been working for RSD — where and in what roles? I have been working fo...

It's been a minute since we've done a , but today we are bringing it back with current ELED student Bonnie Wynia! Bonnie works for Tillamook School District while also juggling classes, homework, and her family. Bonnie had this to share about her experience in the Virtual ELED cohort:

"The virtual program is the only way I have been able to continue my journey towards becoming a teacher. I live in Tillamook, a rural town on the Oregon Coast. I'm a single mom of two boys and having to travel to the valley for classes was just not an option... Not only does the virtual format fit into my lifestyle better, but the cohort, professors and administrative staff have been amazing. I'm exactly where I need to be!"

We are so proud of you and happy you are part of the ELED family, Bonnie!

This week's ELED is 2020 graduate Kammie Rivera. Since graduating, Kammie has taught 3rd grade as a long-term sub at Cummings Elementary in Salem-Keizer School District, and was recently hired on permanently to teach 2nd grade there for the upcoming school year.

When asked what she would share with someone considering the ELED program to finish their degree, Kammie said, "Go for it. It was such a great experience with wonderful professors and cohort mates. It was hard work but worth it!"

We're so proud of Kammie and all our ELED students who are making a difference in children's lives every day!

Today's ELED is our program director Katy Turpen! Katy has been leading the ELED program for five years, using her experience in the field and her knack for innovation to dramatically expand the program's reach.

Katy shared this about why she loves working with ELED students:
"The students in this program have grit. Their stories are such powerful examples of why everyone needs a champion. Every year I get quite choked up at graduation because I know what it costs students to cross that finish line. Each story is so unique and something that warms my heart every year!"

We are grateful to have Katy as our fearless leader!

New job alert! This week's ELED is 2021 grad Sara Blanchard who was recently offered her first teaching job! Sara will teach 1st grade next year at Lava Ridge Elementary in the Bend-La Pine School District, which is the same school where she did her student teaching this last year.

When asked what she would say to someone considering the ELED program to finish their degree, Sara shared: "Absolutely do it. The time I had in the program flew by because it was so enriching and fun. There is so much support and available resources there is no reason to wait if your dream is to teach. The cohort members I met are now going to be lifelong friends."

Congrats on your new job, Sara! We know you are going to be a fantastic teacher.

This week's ELED is Aisha Surya, who graduated from the ELED program in May 2020. Aisha went straight from earning her bachelor's degree into George Fox's Master of Education program, graduating just one year later with her MEd and Special Education endorsement. All of this Aisha completed while teaching at Lake Oswego Middle School! Aisha shared this about her experience at Fox:

"I’m grateful for friends I’ve made through the program and staff that still checks in. It’s not just a course you complete - it’s memories you make when you embark on this journey." To individuals interested in the ELED program, she says, "Go for it! Reach out and ask questions. Connect with the wonderful staff and professors. If education is your passion ... you will love the ELED program and its flexibility."

We are so proud of you and the impact you are having on your students, Aisha!

This week's ELED is Freddy Cifuentes! He recently graduated from our Portland cohort and shared this about why he chose the teaching profession:

"I feel like [teaching is] God's calling for me and I enjoy waking up and looking forward to seeing all the kids and being mentally and physically drained at the end of each day but feeling so full and satisfied. I want to make a difference in these kids' lives as much as they make a difference in mine."

We are so excited about the impact Freddy will have on his future students!

Three of our ELED graduates were recently featured on George Fox's "Get to Know the Class of 2021" page! Samantha and Judy from our Portland cohort, and Brooke from Redmond. Give them a shout out and check out their profiles at the link below!

Get to Know the Class of 2021 What makes George Fox such a great place to learn, grow and find your calling? Just ask our recent graduates.