Become a Teacher
in Oregon

To become a certified teacher in Oregon, you will need to fulfill all prerequisite coursework, teacher preparation, and testing requirements.

Our goal is to make this process as easy as possible, and we are dedicated to updating the site with new information on a regular basis. To stay up-to-date with the latest in teacher certification, please complete the form in the right sidebar.

Prerequisite CourseworkOregon Prerequisite Coursework

All states require that certified teachers at a minimum have a Bachelor’s degree. Additionally, some states have undergraduate credit hour requirements for licensure in specialty areas. Oregon does not have any general undergraduate credit hour requirements, though coursework can be used to demonstrate competency in a subject when applying for a Basic Teaching License. Many teachers in  Oregon are prepared at the Masters level to teach. Learn about earning your masters in teaching in Oregon.
This page is sponsored by MAT@USC, a Master of Arts in Teaching program delivered online that enables you to earn a Master’s degree and teaching credential. Learn more about how the University of Southern California can help you become a transformative teacher in Oregon.

Teacher PreparationOregon Teacher Preparation

The Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission requires prospective teachers to complete a state-approved teacher preparation program.

Alternative Certification

Graduates of accredited colleges or universities whose bachelor’s degree was not in education, and who have not yet earned a traditional teaching license, can still receive an alternative teaching certificate by satisfying certain requirements. Find out more about alternative licensure in Oregon.
Typically teacher education programs consist of a combination of curricula and fieldwork. The curricula often includes instruction on foundational knowledge and skills, pedagogy (or the art and science of teaching), and preparing students to research, design and implement learning experiences in their field of study. The fieldwork component can include field observations, student teaching, and an internship.

Certification ReciprocityOregon Certification Reciprocity

Oregon will accept some teaching credentials from the following states. Contact the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission to inquire about your specific situation. Please see our interstate reciprocity disclaimer for more information.
Alabama Arizona Arkansas California
Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida
Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois
Indiana Kansas Louisiana Maine
Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Mississippi
Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada
New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York
North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma
Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota
Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont
Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin
Wyoming

Teacher SalaryOregon Teacher Salary

  • Incentives to teach in high-needs schools or shortage subject areas: Oregon provides loan forgiveness support for teachers teaching in high needs schools
  • Policies in place that articulate elements of effective induction: Oregon has no induction policies in place
  • Average Elementary Teacher Salary: The average elementary school teacher in Oregon makes $51,820 
  • Average Secondary Teacher Salary: The average secondary teacher in Oregon makes$52,180 
  • Teacher Salary vs. State Average Salary: The average teacher in Oregon makes 140% of the salary of the average worker in Oregon
  • Number of Vacation Weeks Per Year: The average teacher in Oregon receives 15 weeks of vacation per year

Required TestsOregon Required Tests

In order to become a licensed teacher, you must satisfactorily complete the Basic Skill Test requirement and any Subject Area Competence assessments needed for your desired area of instruction. The State of Oregon is transitioning from the CBEST to the National Evaluation Series (NES)

Subject Area Competence