Oregon Teacher Certification

Teaching Programs in Oregon

So you want to earn your Oregon Teacher Certification? Let’s take a look at the step by step instructions to get you started today.

Traditional Approach for the Oregon Teacher Certification

1. Earn your Bachelors Degree or higher from an accredited university. If you already have a bachelors degree, then be sure to earn your Master’s Degree right away
2. Teacher Preparations: This will include teacher prep courses, student teaching, and other types of internships. In order to receive an Oregon Teacher Certification, you must have some experience in teaching, even if it’s unpaid.
3. Earn passing grades on the Basic Skills Test (CBEST) or Praxis (PPST). Individuals with PhD’s are exempt from these tests.
4. Earn a passing score on the Specialty Area Tests (ETS/NES)
5. Pass the Oregon Civil Rights Knowledge Requirements
6. Submit the following:
   • Completed Application
   • $62 check/money order for fingerprint processing fee and background check
   • $100 check/money order for certification fees
   • Official Transcripts of all degrees and credits you have earned
   • Also, include copies of all test scores
   • Teacher Standards and Practices Commission
     465 Commercial St. NE
     Salem, OR. 97301
     (503) 378-3586
7. Do you want to renew your Oregon Teacher Certification?
   • Apply for your renewal

Alternative Approach for the Oregon Teacher Certification

Alternatively, there is another path you can take to get your teaching credentials in Oregon. This is also called the Oregon Restricted Transitional Certification. With this permit, you can begin your teaching career before you complete your teacher education program.

1. Obviously you must still earn your Bachelors Degree from an accredited university. Ideally, you should always continue your education in efforts to earn a Master’s degree.
2. Complete a fingerprint and background check
3. A school district must co-sign your application
4. That school district has to assign you a mentor
5. Complete your teacher education program within the 3 years you hold the temporary certification.
6. Call (503) 378-3586 to begin the process

Photo by Kevin Miller on Flickr.com