- School of Education
- Franz Hall 427, MSC 149
- 5000 N Willamette Blvd.
- Portland OR 97203
- 503-943-7135 or 800-546-3633
- soed@up.edu
School of Education: About PACE
| Professional Service |
|
PACE teachers are welcomed into schools by principals, who say, “They bring something into the building that no one else does” –a reference to the up-to-date teaching methods, commitment to make a difference in children’s lives, and faith-based idealism that characterizes the PACErs. PACE teachers spend two full years teaching in diverse, under-resourced Catholic elementary and secondary schools. During this time they put their current coursework into practice, with the ongoing support they receive from their in-school Mentor Teacher. In addition, they have regularly scheduled meetings each year with the PACE Instructional Advisor and a University Supervisor. These interactions support PACErs while teaching and gaining state certification as licensed teachers. Components of Professional Service --Regularly scheduled formal observations by a University Supervisor, Mentor Teacher and the PACE Instructional Coach --Two years mentoring by an on-site teacher --Ongoing supervision and support from the school principal --Subsidized housing on site --Health coverage and other benefits afforded lay teachers --A “simple living” salary (approx. $1,100/mo.) |
| Academic Learning |
| Applicants must concurrently apply to and be accepted by the University of Portland’s Graduate School before being accepted into the PACE program. Once acceptance to both is confirmed, PACE teachers spend three summers on the University of Portland campus earning a graduate degree in Education—an M.A.T. for applicants who have not majored in Education, or an M.Ed. for applicants who have majored in Education and are licensed to teach. During the two intervening academic years, PACE teachers take one or more courses, in addition to teaching full-time, to fulfill degree requirements. Through this intensive fusion of the study of teaching with the practice of teaching, PACE teachers develop and refine the skills it takes to be successful teachers. All PACE teachers work with an Academic Advisor to ensure timely completion of their degree program. Components of Academic Learning -- Tuition scholarship for a graduate degree in Education -- Academic program customized to meet the requirements for teacher licensure -- Eligibility for teacher certification -- Opportunity for multiple endorsements -- Free room and board on campus for the academic summer sessions -- Opportunity to take courses in specialty areas with the opportunity for license endorsements -- Opportunity to take distance-learning courses while on-site during the school year |
| Community Living |
|
PACE teachers live with one another in household communities in groups of four to six members. PACE communities live simply, experiencing the joys and challenges of teaching and working to build shared expectations within the group. They share group expenses and house responsibilities. To affirm and support community life, the PACE coordinator visits each community a minimum of two times during the school year and offers community-building opportunities during the summer on-campus sessions.
One of the ways PACErs are invited to build community is through spiritual growth. Many PACErs attend weekly Mass together and participate actively in the liturgical life of their school. As part of their PACE experience, PACE teachers are also encouraged to participate in a cycle of four retreats. These retreats provide PACErs an opportunity to refresh their spirits as they reflect on their lives and their teaching experiences in light of their faith journey. Freed of the stress of teaching and studying, they are given the chance to spend time relaxing, celebrating, praying and exploring together the deeper meanings of the PACE experience. |
PACE Contact Info:
Mary Dolan
PACE Coordinator
dolan@up.edu
503.943.7417
Toll Free: 1.800.546.3633
PACE 2010 Important Dates:
January 15, PACE applications DUE
June 22, PACE Orientation
June 23, 24 PACE Retreat
- soed@up.edu
- 503-943-7135 or 800-546-3633
- Directions & Maps
- 5000 N. Willamette Blvd., Portland, OR 97203-5798
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