How to Become a Teacher in Oregon

Teachers educate young learners in more than 1,200 public K-12 schools in Portland’s public school district and Oregon’s rural districts. But how do you become a teacher in Oregon?

Oregon sets several requirements for public school teachers. Educators must hold a bachelor’s degree, pass licensure examinations, and complete student teaching training. Many Oregon teachers complete an educator preparation program in the state. Others enroll in online colleges. Whether you earn your degree in Oregon or another state, Oregon offers pathways toward a teaching license.

Our guide walks through how to become a teacher in Oregon, including the education, work experience, and examination requirements. It also provides data on in-demand teaching fields and average salaries for teaching in Oregon.

Like other states, teachers in Oregon public schools need a license or certificate issued by the state. The Oregon Department of Education manages the state’s public education system. The Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission issues licenses. With a teaching certification, Oregon educators qualify for positions in public K-12 schools. Some private schools also require a license.

Oregon offers different levels of teaching certification. First-time applicants receive a preliminary teaching license. With experience, educators can upgrade to a professional teaching license. Prospective educators trained in Oregon or out-of-state can receive their teaching license. Oregon offers reciprocity for teachers licensed in other states.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

In Oregon, licensed educators must hold a bachelor’s degree. Most teachers complete a bachelor’s in education, which includes an educator preparation program. Teachers who major in another subject complete an alternative pathway to licensure.

During an education major, undergraduates take courses in pedagogy, assessment methods, and evidence-based teaching practices. Teaching majors also take coursework in their subject area. For example, math teachers complete college-level math classes, while social studies teachers take social sciences courses.

Oregon teachers also meet endorsement requirements during their undergraduate program. That includes a practicum in the teacher’s subject area and a subject mastery test. The state’s Department of Education approves multiple educator preparation programs. Applicants who completed an out-of-state teacher preparation program can also qualify for teaching certification in Oregon.

Before receiving a preliminary teaching license, Oregon educators gain student teaching experience. Most meet this requirement during their undergraduate degree. For example, education majors complete student teaching hours at local public schools.

Oregon’s practicum requirements include pedagogical training in the teacher’s subject area and a supervised practicum at a public school. The state requires at least 60 hours of a supervised practicum in the subject area. The supervisor must be a teacher who holds a professional teaching license or higher with an endorsement in the subject area.

Candidates for teaching certification in Oregon also need to pass assessments based on their grade level and endorsements. The Oregon Educator Licensure Assessments website lists the test requirements for different areas. For example, elementary school teachers take two subtests that cover elementary education offered by the National Evaluation Series. Secondary teachers complete a subject-area examination to receive an endorsement.

Other teaching areas may require different examinations. For example, licensure in Latin and some career and technical education subjects requires passing scores on Praxis exams. And Oregon’s bilingual and dual language specialization options require passing scores on Oral Proficiency Assessments.

Educators can apply for their license after meeting the educational, student teaching, and testing requirements.

Oregon educators must submit their completed applications online through eLicensing. The requirements include a completed application, official transcripts showing all degrees earned, and a program completion report. Teachers licensed in another state provide a copy of their out-of-state license. Candidates also provide scores for their subject matter tests to add endorsement areas to their license.

When educators submit their applications, the Department of Education conducts a background and fingerprint check. Applicants who meet these requirements receive their preliminary teaching license, which remains valid for three years.

Oregon teaching licenses expire after a set time. Teachers must complete a renewal process to maintain a valid license.

Initially, teachers receive a preliminary teaching license. This license remains valid for three years. Educators must complete 75 professional development units by the end of the three years to renew their license.

Educators can also apply for a professional teaching license. This license recognizes experienced teachers who meet advanced requirements. Candidates for the professional teaching license must meet two requirements. First, they must teach for a minimum of four full years or the equivalent. Second, they must complete an advanced professional development program. These include a graduate degree in education or national board certification.

Professional teaching licenses remain valid for five years. Educators must complete 125 professional development units to renew this license.

Oregon educators benefit from a strong career outlook. The state employs educators in multiple teaching careers and related education careers. And teaching in Oregon pays off.

Oregon teachers earn salaries above the national average. While high school teachers across the U.S. reported a median pay of $63,870 in May 2020, Oregon high school teachers earned a higher salary of $73,510. And while elementary school teachers earn a median salary of $60,660 nationally, Oregon elementary school teachers make a median salary of $71,420.

Educators can increase their earning potential with a master’s in education. During a master’s program, teachers strengthen their pedagogical and leadership skills. A master’s degree also helps teachers move into administrative roles. Current teachers considering going to graduate school can enroll in online programs designed around the schedule of working educators.

Special Education

Special education teachers teach students with disabilities. They may specialize in a particular grade level or disability category, such as hearing impairments, visual impairments, or autism spectrum disorders. Special education teachers create individualized education programs for their students and work closely with parents and staff to help learners meet their goals. Oregon reported a statewide shortage of special education teachers at the K-12 level for the 2021-22 school year.

Median Annual Salary: $61,500

Mathematics

Mathematics teachers educate students in concepts like numerical literacy, algebra, statistics, and calculus. Most math teachers work at the secondary level, where they need a math endorsement on their Oregon teaching license. Oregon reported a state-wide shortage of math teachers at the high school level for the 2021-22 academic year.

Median Annual Salary: $51,500

English as a Second Language

English as a second language teachers, also called English language learner teachers, work with students who speak a non-English primary language at home. They educate students in basic English while also teaching subject material. Oregon reported a state-wide shortage of English as a second language teachers at the K-12 level for the 2021-22 year.

Median Annual Salary: $46,410

Science

Science teachers typically work at the secondary level, where they teach subjects like earth science, biology, chemistry, and general science. In Oregon, science teachers can add an endorsement to their license to teach science. Oregon reported a state-wide shortage of science teachers at the middle school and high school level for the 2021-22 year.

Median Annual Salary: $48,760

World Languages

World language teachers instruct Oregon students in multiple languages. They teach basic grammar and literacy concepts at lower grade levels and advanced language at upper-grade levels. Oregon reported a state-wide shortage of Spanish-language teachers at preK-12 level for the 2021-22 year.

Median Annual Salary: $50,890

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