How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Oregon

Teaching special education is a great career for educators who want to make a difference in the lives of children with disabilities. You could work alongside general education teachers or focus on teaching a specific population, like students with autism or intellectual disabilities. Special education teachers can lead their own classrooms, work with small groups, or even work in specialized schools or care settings. 

There are multiple ways to become a certified special education teacher in Oregon. Keep reading to learn more about how to earn your teaching license and become a special education teacher in the Beaver State.  

Comprehensive Guide on How to Become a Teacher in Oregon  

The process of becoming a special education teacher is similar to the process of becoming a teacher at any other level or subject. The main differences will be based on the Educator Preparation Program (EPP) you choose and the content-specific exams you’ll need to pass.  

For more information on the steps to becoming a teacher in Oregon, check out our How to Become a Teacher in Oregon guide. There are a variety of pathways to earning your license, and this guide explains the requirements and offers tips and advice to make your transition as seamless as possible.

What Do You Need to Be a Special Education Teacher in Oregon? 

Oregon teachers are required to have a bachelor’s degree, to complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP), and to pass a series of state-mandated assessments.  

If you have a high school degree and you know you want to become a special-ed teacher, then earning a bachelor’s degree is your first step. It typically takes about four years to earn a bachelor’s degree in education.  

If you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field, you may be able to get into an Oregon classroom much faster. You can complete an alternative or graduate EPP and earn your license that way. For example, Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can be completed in as little as 9 months, 100% online.

Now, it’s important to note that TEACH-NOW is an out-of-state EPP in Oregon, so you would earn your teaching license in another state and use Oregon’s Reciprocal Teaching License process to transfer the credential. 

Steps to Becoming a Special Education Teacher in Oregon 

Out-of-State Preparation Program (Reciprocity) 

Oregon has a list of approved in-state EPPs. If you prefer an out-of-state EPP, you could earn your teaching license in another state or the District of Columbia and use Oregon’s Reciprocal Teaching License process to transfer the credential. 

Here’s an example of the reciprocity process via D.C.: 

1. Earn your bachelor’s degree. This degree does not necessarily have to be in education.
2. Complete an EPP, like Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW program.  
3. Pass the required certification exams for D.C. For example, you might take the Special Education Foundational Knowledge test and the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) test.
4. Submit your fingerprints for a background check and apply for your D.C. teaching license.  
5. Apply to transfer your D.C. credential to Oregon. You will use the Reciprocal Teaching License process.  
6. Complete any additional requirements. The Oregon Reciprocal Teaching License is valid for one year, giving you time to meet any outstanding requirements. 

Now, it’s important to note this is just one example of a potential path for an out-of-state EPP in Oregon. For more detailed information, visit the state’s Teacher Standards and Practices Commission website. 

In-State Preparation Program 

The steps to licensure are similar for candidates who choose an in-state EPP in Oregon:  

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree.
2. Complete an EPP. Oregon has a list of approved in-state EPPs. 
3. Pass the required exams. For special education, you’ll take the exams for the endorsement(s) you want. For example, if you want to work with students with IEPs in general (a Special Education: Generalist endorsement), you’ll take the ORELA special education test. The Oregon TSPC has a list of endorsements and required tests.
4. Pass a Teacher Performance Assessment (TPA). In addition to knowledge tests, you will complete a TPA, such as the EdTPA or another TPA that is approved by the TSPC. 
5. Submit your application. As part of the application process, you will need to submit fingerprints and complete a background check.  

Again, this is just one example of how a teacher could earn a special education license in Oregon. For more information, visit the TSPC website.

Why Reciprocity Might Make Sense for You 

Reciprocity could be the ideal path for you if you’re licensed to teach in another state but plan to move to Oregon or if you simply prefer the flexibility of an out-of-state EPP. 

Since it’s 100% online, Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW program is a great out-of-state option for career changers or others who are working toward a teaching license while balancing full-time work, family, and other responsibilities.

Every teacher is different, and it’s important to consider your career goals and your wants and needs as you plan your path to the classroom.   

Can You Become a Special Education Teacher in Oregon Without a Teaching Degree? 

Yes! Many Oregon teachers have a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field. Oregon welcomes teachers who earn a bachelor’s in other fields, and those skills could even help you teach students to be career-ready themselves!  

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Ready to take the next step? Earn your professional teaching license in as little as 9 months with Moreland University. Our TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program is fully accredited and 100% online, with rolling admissions and monthly start dates.

Once you complete the TEACH-NOW program, you have the option to add on a master’s degree in just 3 additional months.

Apply for free (the application only takes about 15 minutes), and you’ll hear back within 2 business days.