How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Oregon
The four basic requirements for becoming a special education teacher in Oregon are:
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Earn a bachelor’s degree
To become a certified teacher in the state of Oregon you must earn, at a minimum, a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
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Complete a state-approved teacher preparation program
In order to receive a teaching license in Oregon, you must complete a teacher education program approved by the state, which will consist of college coursework and student teaching.
This requirement can be met through a bachelor's degree or master's degree program, typically a master of arts in teaching (MAT). Candidates can choose from programs that offer elementary or secondary certification.
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Pass required exams
- You must pass the Protecting Student and Civil Rights in the Educational Environment Exam. Some educator preparation providers (EPPs) meet this requirement through coursework, and others will require that you take and pass the assessment. Check with your EPP to determine your institution's requirements.
- You must pass one of four exams in different areas of special education specialization to earn the associated endorsement:
Endorsement Test Testing Company Special Education: Generalist Special Education ORELA Special Education: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Special Education: Education of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students Praxis Special Education: Early Intervention Special Education: Early Childhood Praxis Special Education: Visually Impaired Special Education: Teaching Students with Visual Impairments Praxis See Oregon’s Teacher Standards and Practices Commission for a listing of all possible endorsements and corresponding schools that offer preparation for these.
You must also pass an approved Teacher Performance Assessment (TPA). One common route for this is taking the edTPA, but TSPC has also allowed education preparation providers (EPPs) to create their own assessment, provided it is approved by TSPC.
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Submit your Oregon teaching credential application
Upon satisfying the above requirements, you may apply for a Preliminary Teaching License from Oregon’s Teacher Standards and Practices Commission. The application process requires a background check, which includes submitting fingerprints.
Note: If you completed an out-of-state teacher preparation program, you can apply for the Reciprocal Teaching License.
Related: What Is a Special Education Teacher?
Getting into a Teacher License Program
The Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC), an independent state agency that awards educator licenses and approves educator preparation programs, requires prospective teachers to complete a state-approved preliminary teacher licensure program.
Admission to one of these accredited programs typically includes the following requirements:
- A minimum 2.50-3.0 GPA, either overall or in the last two semesters of your undergraduate courseworkÂ
- Proof of strong academic preparation for multiple subjects in general education/major coursework
- Previous experience working with children in a classroom setting
- A strong recommendation from at least one non-family member who is familiar with your work with children
- Ideal teacher candidates are focused, open to multiple viewpoints, enthusiastic about learning, able to negotiate systems, and excellent at communicating.
Be sure to contact the teacher education program of your choice to learn about specific requirements for admission.
What do you want to teach?
By Subject
- Art
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- Music
- Physical Education (PE)
- Reading
- Special Education