Oregon Teaching License: Find Out What You Need

Do You Want To Get Your Oregon Teaching License?

You may want to think about what kind of classes you want to teach. There are a variety of ways to get your Oregon teaching license, and they don’t all lead to a math, science, or history classroom. Each license in Oregon is unique in how you ultimately meet the requirements, however, there are two requirements that MUST be met regardless of what type of license you want. These requirements are:

• Submit an Application to TSPC and pay a Fee
• Submit Fingerprints and undergo a Background Check

As for the individual licenses, there are many reasons why you may want one over the other. First, we will explore licenses that don’t require you to attend an educator preparation institute.

No Experience? Here’s How You Get Your Oregon Teaching License.

In Oregon, you can obtain a teaching license without completing a teacher preparation program by meeting specific experience or educational requirements. This pathway allows individuals with relevant qualifications to apply for certification, often with additional assessments or coursework.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) License:

Are you interested in teaching students about healthcare, technology, trades, or business? Do you want to host workshops that provide students with skills they can use immediately after high school? You can do each of these by getting your Oregon teaching license.

Here are the requirements to gain a Career and Technical Education instructor license in Oregon:

• Complete an Associate’s Degree or higher.
• Complete a CTE Professional Development Plan.

Emergency Teaching License:

An emergency teaching license is something schools consider when they do not have enough applicants for a specific subject, such as math or science. This kind of license can get your foot in the door, but can’t be maintained long-term. Here are the requirements for an Emergency Teaching License in Oregon:

• Provide Sponsorship from an Oregon employer.
• Provide Verification of qualifications for the teaching position (such as transcripts for an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree, a resume indicating your experience working in a profession related to teaching like early education, etc.).

Charter School Registry Teacher License:

The Oregon charter school programs are growing in number in recent years. Luckily for you, this means that there are more opportunities to kickstart your career as an Oregon educator.

Here are the requirements:

• Obtain Sponsorship from the Charter School that wishes to hire you.
• Submit Verification of any experience relevant to the teaching position.
• List all other professional licenses, such as a teaching license in another state, or another teaching license you received in Oregon.

Limited Teaching License:

A limited teaching license would require you to know A LOT about a highly specific subject, like Dance, Fire Science, etc. If this sounds like you, here are the requirements to get your Oregon teaching license:

• Verification of an Associate’s Degree (or the equivalent).
• Provide Sponsorship from an Oregon employer.

Restricted Substitute:

The Restricted Substitute license is similar to the Emergency license. This license is one of the easiest Oregon teaching licenses to get. Here’s what you need:

• Provide Verification of a Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Submit Sponsorship from an Oregon employer.

Restricted Teaching:

This license requires more training in the subject area you wish to teach than a Restricted Substitute license.  If you choose this route, you will need to apply for a Preliminary License in Oregon within 3 years of obtaining a Restricted Substitute license if you wish to continue teaching. This is a great way to dip your toes into teaching to see if it is something you would like to do.

• Verification of a Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Sponsorship from an Oregon employer.
• Evidence of substantial preparation or work experience in the requested teaching area. This can be completed a few different ways, including transcripts showing your knowledge, a passing score on an official exam, or a resume describing your background in the subject area.

American Indian Language and Culture License:

Oregon is well known for their progressive legislation around Native American history. If you are a part of an Oregon Federally Recognized Tribe and you wish to teach, this is a great opportunity. Here’s how you get your Oregon teaching license:

• Submit Tribal Sponsorship: you must be a part of a Federally Recognized Tribe and gain sponsorship to obtain this type of license.
• Extensive knowledge of the Native language you wish to teach

Already completed a Teacher Preparation Program? This is what YOU need to do next to get your license in Oregon.

After finishing a Teacher Preparation Program, the next step is to apply for your Preliminary License in Oregon. You’ll need to provide proof of your completed program, your bachelor’s degree, and passing scores on required exams. Once you receive the license, you can start teaching and gain classroom experience. After a few years, you can earn a Professional License by meeting additional requirements and continuing your professional development.

Preliminary Teaching License:

The Preliminary Teaching license is where most people will start after they have completed the Teacher Preparation Program. Other than the standard requirements listed above, you also need:

• Verification of a Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Verification of completion of the Teacher Preparation Program.
• Passing scores on the appropriate tests in your subject area.

Are You ALREADY a Teacher In Oregon?

If you’re already teaching in Oregon, you’re part of a dedicated community committed to educational excellence. Whether you’re looking to advance your career, explore new licensure opportunities, or continue your professional growth, Oregon offers several pathways to help you thrive. In this section, we’ll guide you through the next steps, resources, and opportunities available to experienced educators in the state.

Professional Teaching License:

The Preliminary Teaching license is where most people will start after they have completed the Teacher Preparation Program. Other than the standard requirements listed above, you also need:

• Verified completion of a Preliminary Teaching License.
• Verification of Teaching experience.
• Verification of the completion of an advanced professional education program.

Don’t be put off by the third requirement! This can mean a variety of options.

Advanced Professional Education Program Options

• Completing PDUs (professional development units) at the school you are employed.
• Completing an advanced degree such as a Master’s or PhD.
• Gaining endorsement in another subject matter.
• Obtain National Board Certification, OR
• Obtain a Professional Certificate issued by the State of Washington.

The first option is by far the most popular since it your school already hosts regular professional development opportunities! This includes those weekly meetings with others in your department / grade level.

Substitute Teaching License:

A substitute teaching license allows individuals to temporarily fill in for regular teachers who are absent, ensuring continuity in the classroom. If you have held a license prior, the requirements list is one of the shortest on this list. You will only need to submit an application and pay the fee. If not, here are the requirements:

• Provide verification of a bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Provide verification of a teacher preparation program.

Teacher Leader License:

Have you been in the teaching industry for a few years now? Have you shown exceptional leadership in your school and advanced student growth? If you answered yes to these questions, then you may qualify for a Teacher Leader License. Here are the requirements:

• Have taught for five full academic years leading up to the submission of the application (these must be consecutive).
• Hold a current Professional Teaching license.
• Provide evidence of effectiveness for your teaching practices.
• Provide evidence of your current professional leadership practices.

Conditional Assignment License:

For this type of license, the process may be started by your employer rather than you. In this case, you will be asked to cover another subject area outside the scope of your endorsement. Here are the requirements for this license:

• Provide sponsorship from your employer.

Are You A Teacher From A Different State Or Country? Here’s How To Get Your License In Oregon.

Individuals from outside Oregon who wish to teach in the state may need to obtain either a Reciprocal Teaching License if they hold a valid teaching license from another U.S. state, or an International Visiting License if they are coming from abroad. These licenses allow out-of-state and international educators to teach temporarily in Oregon while meeting specific requirements.

Reciprocal Teaching License:

This license is perhaps one of the most complicated licenses on this list. All states have different requirements to gain a teaching license. Some states do not require a Bachelor’s degree in order to teach, whereas others require a Master’s degree to teach at the secondary level. Take a look to see whether you qualify:

• A current Out-of-state license.
• Provide verification of a bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Provide verification of completion of a teacher preparation program.
• Optional: Provide the test scores for out-of-state subject exams.

International Visiting License:

If you are coming from a different country or a US territory, you may be eligible to teach in Oregon under an International Visiting License. Here are the requirements:

• Get sponsorship from an Oregon employer.
• Provide verification of a foreign degree (that is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher).
• Show verification of a foreign teaching credential.
• Provide confirmation of Exchange Visitor Program Participation, which is monitored by the U.S. State Department. This does require you to have an up-to-date J-1 Visa.

Still wondering if you should take the leap to teach in Oregon? Read here to find out why YOU should teach in Oregon.

Becoming a teacher in Oregon offers different license options to match your career goals. Whether you’re completing a preparation program or exploring alternatives like Career and Technical Education, there’s a path for you. Oregon supports teachers and values diversity in classrooms, creating a welcoming environment for those passionate about education. Whichever path you take, you’ll be part of a community working to make a positive impact on students’ lives and the future of education in the state.

Do you need help with this any of these steps? Reach out and we’ll be glad to help!