Ready to Teach in Oregon? A Step-by-Step Guide for Out-of-State Licensure
Published: | by Hannah Sparling
If you’re looking for a great state to start your teaching career, Oregon has a lot to offer: competitive salaries (the 11th highest rate in the nation, per the National Education Association), extra support for new teachers, and a strong overall demand for educators.
There are multiple pathways to obtaining a teacher license in Oregon, including traditional undergraduate programs and graduate teacher preparation programs. You can also complete an out-of-state preparation program and earn your Oregon credential through the Reciprocal Teaching License process.
This blog post focuses on the out-of-state pathway, or reciprocity. We’ll cover why reciprocity might make sense for you and the steps you could take to earn your Oregon teaching license.
License Options for Out-of-State Teachers
Before diving into the “how-to,” it helps to understand what kind of license you might be applying for. Oregon offers multiple license types to support teachers with different backgrounds and at different stages of their careers. Here are a few examples:
Preliminary Teaching License
This is the standard entry level license for new teachers who have completed an Educator Preparation Program (EPP) and passed the Oregon Educator Licensure Assessments and/or Praxis exams. It is valid for three years and is renewable.
Professional Teaching License
This is for experienced teachers who have completed advanced professional education and have at least four years of full-time teaching experience (or six years of part-time experience). This license is valid for five years.
Reciprocal Teaching License
This is specifically for teachers who have completed an out-of-state EPP or who hold a valid teaching license in another state. A reciprocal license is valid for one year, which gives teachers a grace period to meet any remaining Oregon-specific licensure requirements.
How to Earn Your Oregon Teaching License via Reciprocity
If you are currently living outside Oregon, or if you prefer the flexibility of an out-of-state EPP, reciprocity is a great option to consider. For reciprocity, you would earn your teaching credential in another state or the District of Columbia and then transfer the license to Oregon.
Here’s an example of how the process works, going through Washington, D.C.:
- Earn your bachelor’s degree. This degree does not necessarily have to be in education.
- Complete an EPP, such as Moreland University’s 100% online, 9-month TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program.
- Pass the required certification exams for D.C. These will vary based on the subject and grades you wish to teach. For example, if you want to teach high school English, you might take the English content knowledge exam for teaching grades 7-12, along with the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) test for those same grades.
- Submit fingerprints and pass a background check. This is a standard safety requirement for all educators.
- Apply for your D.C. teacher certification.
- Apply to transfer your license to Oregon. The Reciprocal Teaching License is valid for 1 year, which gives you time to complete any outstanding requirements to earn your Preliminary Teaching License in the Beaver State.
This is just one example of a potential path. For more information, visit the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission page for out-of-state applicants.
Why Reciprocity Might Be the Best Path for You
You might be wondering, “Why not just do a program inside Oregon?” While that is certainly an option, the reciprocity route offers a few advantages, especially for career changers or those who need the flexibility of an online or accelerated program.
Many in-state university programs require in-person attendance and follow a traditional academic calendar. By contrast, Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW program offers rolling admissions and monthly start dates. You’ll have a live, virtual class once a week (you choose the day and time), and the rest of your work is done on your own schedule in Moreland’s online platform.
It’s ultimately a personal choice. For some teachers, the in-state route works great. For others, the out-of-state option ends up being more feasible or streamlined.
How to Apply for Your Oregon Teaching License
When you are ready to apply for your license, the process is managed entirely online through the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission. You’ll create an account to submit your application, which will help you track your progress and handle any additional requests.
Why Teach in Oregon?
There are plenty of reasons to consider a teaching career in Oregon. First, the state needs teachers! Oregon is projecting more than 1,800 open jobs every year for elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers, according to the U.S. Dept. of Labor. That consistent demand provides opportunity and job stability for teachers.
Oregon also supports teachers, especially those new to the profession, with mentorship and professional development. The Oregon Education Association even has an Early Career Educator Program and a community group called the New Educators of Oregon Network. NEON is a cohort-based group focused on self-care, setting healthy boundaries, professional learning, and more.
Oregon offers competitive teacher pay (a common concern for those going into education). The average teacher salary in Oregon is $77,130, according to the National Education Association. That’s the 11th highest rate in the nation and more than $5,000 a year higher than the national average.
You can find a great work/life balance in Oregon, especially if you love the great outdoors. The state features 363 miles of coastline, the Cascade Range, and Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the U.S., per the National Park Service.
Finally, Teaching in Oregon is more than just a job — it’s a chance to shape the future. Educators have the opportunity to inspire students, support academic success, and contribute to the growth of vibrant, diverse communities across the state.
Ready to take the next step? Earn your teaching license in as little as 9 months with Moreland University or your license plus an M.Ed. in as little as 12 months. Moreland’s programs are fully accredited and 100% online, with rolling admissions and monthly start dates.
Apply for free (takes less than 15 minutes), and you‘ll hear back within 2 business days.
Questions? Reach out for a 1:1 chat. We’re happy to help.
