How to Be a Spanish Teacher in Oregon
Becoming a teacher of Spanish requires a few steps before you can hold your own classroom. Find out what you need to do in Oregon before you become a Spanish teacher, including the degree you should earn and the exams you need to pass.
Overview of Spanish Teachers in Oregon
Spanish teachers in Oregon will instruct students in different grade levels on the style and culture surrounding the Spanish language. You will begin a career in teaching Spanish by earning a bachelor's degree and finish your education by passing several required exams before beginning to teach on your own.
| Education/Experience Required | Bachelor's degree and teacher education program |
| Exams Required | Civil Rights Exam and NES in Spanish |
| License Validity | Three years for a Preliminary Teaching License |
| License Extension | Continuous three-year renewals until upgrading to a Professional Teaching License |
| Average Oregon Salary (2018) | $67,910 for elementary school, $75,280 for middle school, and $72,640 for high school teachers |
| National Job Growth (2016-2026) | 7% for elementary school teachers, 8% for middle school and high school teachers* |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Job Description
As a Spanish teacher, you will help your students absorb a new language. You can do this through a combination of in-class speaking and writing exercises, assigned homework, and regular tests and exams. You will create lesson plans to adhere to a specific, but flexible, schedule for the school year. As your students' progress through the year, you will keep their parents up to date with conferences and written feedback. You will also make your own sets of class rules and issue disciplinary action when necessary.
Education and Training Requirements
To teach Spanish in Oregon, you are required to have a bachelor's degree in Spanish, specifically where you undertook a deeper study of the language. You will also need to have taken a specific teacher education program. It would be beneficial to also study different Hispanic cultures, including those found in Spain and Latin America. As you work toward your degree, you can look more deeply into the language, studying the use of Spanish within the United States and the language's sociolinguistics. You will have a student teaching practicum as part of your degree, giving you the chance to experience the classroom before you begin your career.
Exam Requirements
Oregon State requires Spanish teachers to complete two exams from Pearson Education before earning their teaching license. All teachers, including those for Spanish, must pass the Protecting Student and Civil Rights in the Educational Environment exam. You will have an hour and a half to finish this 60-question test, and the format is entirely multiple choice. A score of 240 or higher is considered passing. The Spanish exam is longer, allowing you three hours to finish. There are 100 multiple choice questions, as well as one writing section and a speaking section. You will need a score of at least 220 to pass this exam.
License Requirements
After you earn your degree and complete and pass both exams detailed above, you can apply for a Preliminary Teaching License in Oregon. You will need to pass a background check before earning this credential, which is valid for three years. After three years, you have the option of renewing your license for another three years. To do this, you will need to earn a total of 75 continuing education credits, verifying them with your current employing school district. Once you have been teaching for four full-time or six part-time years, you can upgrade to the Professional Teaching License.