Becoming a Substitute Teacher in Oregon: Certification & Requirements

<p>Individuals wishing to pursue a license in substitute teaching must meet all the educational, exam, and experiential requirements outlined by the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission in Oregon. These requirements include having a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited university, completing a teacher preparation program, and passing a criminal background check. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> Education/Experience Required </td><td> Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited university <br />Completion of an Oregon teacher preparation program (grants eligibility for an Oregon teaching license)</td></tr> <tr><td> Exam Requirements </td><td> Pass the exam on Oregon and US civil rights<br />Pass a criminal background check</td></tr> <tr><td> Certification Renewal Period </td><td> A substitute teaching license is valid for three years and can be renewed continuously after each period</td></tr> <tr><td> PDU Credits Required for Renewal </td><td> Professional Development Units (PDUs) are not required to renew a substitute teaching license</td></tr> <tr><td> Average Annual Salary (2017) </td><td> $44,730*</td></tr> <tr><td> Estimated Job Growth (2016-2026) </td><td> 10% (for teachers and instructors, all other, nationwide)*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau Labor of Statistics </i></p> <h3 id="section---SubstituteTeachingLicenseRestrictionsAndRenewal">Substitute Teaching License Restrictions and Renewal</h3> <p>With a substitute teaching license, individuals are permitted to teach from kindergarten to grade 12 in an Oregon public school, charter school, or education service district. However, individuals are not allowed to substitute in one teaching assignment for more than one school year. </p> <p>To renew this type of license, individuals must complete the appropriate online application and submit their fees for renewal. Continuing PDUs are not required for renewal. </p> <h3 id="section---BasicApplicationRequirements">Basic Application Requirements</h3> <p>Requirements for eligibility when applying for a substitute teaching license in Oregon include being at least 18 years of age and possessing evidence of good mental and physical health. Applicants may also be asked questions pertaining to character, which must be answered in a manner satisfactory to the Commission. </p> <p>The correct license application must be completed and submitted to the Commission, along with the required fees. </p> <h3 id="section---BachelorSDegreeRequirements">Bachelor's Degree Requirements</h3> <p>While no particular field or major is specified by the Commission, proof of a completed bachelor's degree must be presented when applying for a substitute teaching license. This degree must come from an accredited university in the United States - applicants can confirm accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education's website. </p> <p>The foreign equivalent of a U.S.-accredited bachelor's degree may also be accepted. The World Education Services website provides a degree equivalency tool for verifying these qualifications. </p> <p>A graduate degree from an accredited school may also be accepted if an earned bachelor's degree was not earned at an accredited school. </p> <h3 id="section---TeacherPreparationProgramRequirements">Teacher Preparation Program Requirements</h3> <p>Another one of the requirements for acquiring a substitute teaching license in Oregon is to demonstrate completion of a teacher preparation program. These programs include field experiences and typically award bachelor's or master's degrees in teaching and education, which also satisfies the licensure requirement for a bachelor's degree or higher. </p> <p>Students are equipped with the necessary skills to teach in both private and public schools in Oregon and have the option of specializing in specific grade levels and fields. For example, individuals can choose to pursue teaching majors in high school subjects and can additionally specialize in such areas as English for Speakers of Other Language (ESOL) and special education. These specializations are generally referred to as endorsements that are added to a license.</p>