How to Become an Elementary School Teacher in Oregon
| by Hannah Sparling
Teaching at the elementary level is one of the most rewarding jobs imaginable. The students are eager and ready to learn, and the workday includes story time and recess. If you’re interested in helping young children develop foundational skills, elementary education may be a good fit for you.
In Oregon, the demand for elementary school teachers is high, with an estimated 990 open jobs for elementary teachers each year, according to the U.S. Dept. of Labor. If you’d like to raise your hand for one of those open roles, keep reading to learn more about the process of earning your license and becoming an elementary school teacher in the Beaver State.
Comprehensive Guide on How to Become an Elementary Teacher in Oregon
Becoming an elementary school teacher in Oregon is similar to the process of earning a teaching license in other U.S. states. The main differences will be based on the Educator Preparation Program (EPP) you choose and the specific licensure exams you’ll need to pass.
You can review a step-by-step breakdown of the requirements and process of becoming a teacher in the Beaver State in our How to Become a Teacher in Oregon guide. There are a variety of pathways to earning your teaching 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 an Elementary School Teacher in Oregon?
Oregon teachers are required to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, to complete an EPP, and to pass a series of state-mandated licensure exams.
If you’re a high school graduate in Oregon and you know you want to be an elementary school teacher, your timeline is probably around 4 years as you complete your bachelor’s in education.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field, you don’t have to start over, and 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 to Oregon.
Steps to Becoming an Elementary School Teacher in Oregon
Reciprocity
If you prefer an out-of-state EPP, like Moreland’s online TEACH-NOW program, you can earn your teaching license in another state or the District of Columbia and use Oregon’s Reciprocal Teaching License process to transfer the credential to Oregon.
Example of reciprocity via D.C.:
- Earn your bachelor’s degree. This degree does not necessarily have to be in education.
- Complete an EPP, like Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW program.
- Pass the required certification exams for D.C.
- Submit your fingerprints for a background check and apply for your D.C. teacher credential.
- Apply to transfer your D.C. credential to Oregon. You will use the Reciprocal Teaching License process.
- Complete any additional requirements. The Reciprocal Teaching License is valid for one year, giving you time to meet any outstanding Oregon licensure requirements.
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 Certification Process
If you choose an in-state EPP, you’ll follow a similar process in Oregon:
- Earn your bachelor’s degree.
- Complete an EPP. This may or may not be part of your initial bachelor’s program.
- Pass the required licensure exams. Elementary teachers in Oregon must take the elementary exam and a preparation assessment, like the EdTPA.
- Submit your fingerprints for a background check, upload your documents, and apply for your license.
Again, this is just one example of a potential path to licensure through an in-state EPP. For more detailed information, visit the TSPC website.
Why Oregon’s Reciprocity Process Might Make Sense for You
Reciprocity could be the ideal path for you if:
- You are licensed in another state but plan to teach in Oregon.
- You prefer the flexibility of an out-of-state EPP, such as Moreland’s 9-month, online, TEACH-NOW program.
Every teacher is different, and it’s important to consider your options, your career goals, and your individual wants and needs as you plan your path to the classroom.
Can You Become an Elementary School Teacher in Oregon Without a Teaching Degree?
Yes! Oregon requires teachers to have a bachelor’s degree, but that degree does not have to be in education. Many Oregon teachers start their career in an entirely different field and only later find their passion for education. In fact, Oregon welcomes career changers and those with non-teaching degrees for the diverse experiences, perspectives, and skillsets they bring to the classroom.
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.
