How to Become a Teacher in Oregon

Vibrant local scenery, beautiful shores, and gorgeous mountain trails attract some of the nation’s top teachers to work in Oregon. In addition, Oregon offers excellent benefits and high starting teacher salaries. Becoming a teacher in Oregon in relatively straightforward, although alternative routes to certification are available.

How to become a teacher in Oregon - traditional route for residents

Most education students in Oregon follow a traditional route to certification to earn an initial teaching certificate, involving:

• Earning a bachelor’s degree
• Passing the Praxis I
• Completing a teacher preparation course from an accredited institution within the state.

How to become a teacher in OR - alternative route for residents

Some alternative programs to earn a teaching license do exist in Oregon, including Troops to Teachers. The most popular alternative certification is the limited teaching license, which requires a specialized expertise in an area not traditionally endorsed, such as Mandarin or jazz music.

How to become a teacher in OR - for out-of-state teacher applicants

Education professionals holding a valid license from another state may be eligible for the initial teaching certificate. Applicants will need to have the following requirements fulfilled:

• Proof of completion of a teacher preparation program
• Have held a full-time teaching license

An initial teaching certificate is good for 18 months during which time the applicant will need to complete the requirements for an initial license.

How do I become a teacher in Oregon - necessary exams for residents

All teachers in Oregon must pass the Praxis exams to earn certification. The Praxis I exam tests basic skills in the areas of reading, writing and math. The Praxis II tests subject-specific areas, and has an elementary education test for elementary teachers.

What bachelors degree do I need for teaching in Oregon?

Specific bachelor’s degree subjects are not required to teach in Oregon, although many teaching students focus their studies on education. Prospective secondary teachers are encouraged to focus their studies in areas of they will be teaching.

What is a teacher preparation program in Oregon?

In Oregon, teacher preparation programs contain the following:

• 3 month (or more) student teaching experience
• Classroom observations
• Subject-specific courses, including reading, writing and math
• Oregon history
• Native American history
• Assessment and assessment-driven instruction courses

How do I renew my teacher certification in Oregon?

Teachers receive individual letters outlining their renewal requirements upon receiving their initial license. Typically, renewals require:

• 3 semester, graduate credits
• Positive employment and teaching reviews.

Where do I go for more information about how to become a teacher in OR?

The following websites have additional information about how to become a teacher in Oregon:

• Certification Q&A

  This site is an excellent Q&A resource on becoming certified in Oregon.

• The Oregon Commission on Education