Are you considering a career in teaching in Oregon?
Becoming a teacher in Oregon requires specific steps, certifications, and qualifications. This article provides an overview of the Oregon teacher certification process, including recommended education programs, testing requirements, job outlook, and salary information.
With the right preparation, you can make an informed decision about your career path.
Becoming a Teacher in Oregon
The Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission requires all aspiring teachers in the state to hold a bachelor’s degree, complete an approved teacher certification program, pass required examinations, and undergo state and federal background checks in order to obtain an Initial Teaching License.
To find an approved program, one must check for accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Alternative route certification may be available to candidates with a bachelor’s degree.
The ORELA exams assess pedagogical knowledge and subject-area expertise. Additionally, a full background check and fingerprint cards using TSPC forms must be completed.
Finding Approved Teacher Education Programs in Oregon
To become a certified teacher in Oregon, it is necessary to complete a state-approved teacher certification program accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), or consider an out-of-state program with regional accreditation.
Prospective teachers should:
- Check for accreditation from CAEP
- Access the list of approved teacher education programs on the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission website
- Compare key metrics for state-approved teacher preparation programs
- Consider out-of-state programs with regional accreditation.
Oregon Teacher Education Requirements
In order to become a certified teacher in Oregon, applicants must complete an approved teacher preparation program, hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited school, and meet other state requirements.
To achieve these qualifications, applicants must take the Oregon Educator Licensure Assessments exams. These exams measure pedagogical knowledge and subject-area expertise. Additionally, applicants must pass the Oregon Civil Rights Exam as well as the required subject matter exams.
A full state and federal background check is also necessary, and applicants must provide fingerprint cards and submit required documentation. Finally, applicants must pay the certification processing fee.
Upon successful completion of these steps, applicants will be awarded an Initial Teaching License, and can progress to a Professional Teaching License or alternative route certification.
Oregon Teacher Testing Requirements
Applicants must take the Oregon Educator Licensure Assessments exams to demonstrate their pedagogical knowledge and subject-area expertise. The exams are available online with immediate results.
To gain certification, individuals must take the exam aligned with their desired endorsement(s). In addition, they must pass the Oregon Civil Rights Exam.
Exam results, background checks, transcripts, and program completion documentation must be submitted with the certification application.
The process must be completed in order to become a licensed teacher in Oregon.
Additional Oregon Teacher Certification Requirements
Regularly, Oregon teachers must undergo a full state and federal background check, submit fingerprint cards, complete the TSPC eLicense application, and provide required documentation before they can obtain a teaching license. This includes background clearance, transcripts, and proof of program completion. Additionally, they must pay the certification processing fee.
These requirements are in addition to completing an approved teacher preparation program, holding a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited school, and passing the Oregon Educator Licensure Assessments (ORELA) exams. Alternative route certification may also be available for candidates with a bachelor’s degree.
Oregon Teacher Outlook, Salary, and Jobs
Aspiring teachers in Oregon should be aware of the job outlook, salary, and job opportunities in the state.
Oregon had an estimated 578,947 students in 1,243 K-12 public schools, a student-to-teacher ratio of 19:1.
Projected average annual job openings for elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers, as well as average annual salaries, can be found online.
The Oregon Education Association provides updates on job opportunities and resources for educators.
Additionally, the US Department of Education offers information on teacher shortage areas.
Knowing this information is essential for making informed decisions about becoming a teacher in Oregon.
Teacher Shortages in Oregon
Oregon is experiencing teacher shortages in various subject areas, including English as a Second Language, General, Mathematics, Science, Special Education, and World Languages (Spanish).
According to the US Department of Education Teacher Shortage Area report for 2021-2022, these subject areas are experiencing shortages in Oregon. These shortages likely result from a combination of factors, including an aging teaching population and an increasing demand for educators.
Teachers in these subject areas may have better job prospects than those in other fields. Additionally, the Oregon Education Association provides updates on job opportunities and resources for educators.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Oregon teacher certification process is an important and complex process which requires specific steps, certifications, and qualifications.
Becoming a teacher in Oregon can be a rewarding and fulfilling career choice, and with the right preparation, one can gain the necessary certifications to pursue a career in teaching in the state.
With the help of the resources and data provided, aspiring teachers can make an informed decision about their future career.
