How to Become a Substitute Teacher in Portland, Oregon

<p>Substitute teachers throughout Oregon are required to hold a bachelor's degree. There are two types of substitute licenses available in this state: a standard substitute teaching license and a restricted substitute teaching license. Eligibility and renewal requirements differ between the two. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> Education Required </td><td> Bachelor's degree</td></tr> <tr><td> Others Requirements </td><td> Protecting Student and Civil Rights in the Educational Environment exam;<br />Background clearance</td></tr> <tr><td> Certification Renewal Period </td><td> 1 or 3 years</td></tr> <tr><td> Average Annual Salary (2017) </td><td> $44,730 (Oregon substitute teachers)*</td></tr> <tr><td> Estimated Job Growth (2016-2026) </td><td> 10% ('teachers and instructors, all other,' nationwide)*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau Labor of Statistics </i></p> <h3 id="section---ApplyingForYourSubstituteLicense">Applying for Your Substitute License</h3> <p>To acquire your substitute teaching license in Oregon, you must first ensure you meet all the necessary requirements outlined by the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC). Then, submit an application for your license - complete with the appropriate fees and supporting documents - through the online platform, eLearning. </p> <p>The TSPC will evaluate your application. Those eligible will receive an e-mail informing them of the issued license and the necessary documents needed to finalize the application. </p> <h3 id="section---EducationAndExamRequirements">Education and Exam Requirements</h3> <p>To be eligible for a standard substitute teaching license, applicants should hold a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. A catalog of accredited institutions can be found on the U.S. Department of Education's website. While no degree areas are specified for this requirement, individuals must have also completed a state-approved teacher preparation program leading to eligibility for an Oregon teaching license. </p> <p>Those who haven't completed a state-approved preparation program, but hold a valid, active, non-provisional teaching license from another state validates this requirement. </p> <p>Additionally, applicants must have a passing score on the Protecting Student and Civil Rights in the Educational Environment exam. They must also complete a mandatory background clearance, which includes fingerprints (if necessary). </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAStandardSubstituteTeachingLicenseEntails">What a Standard Substitute Teaching License Entails</h3> <p>If you hold a standard substitute teaching license, you are permitted to substitute teach in most school districts across the state from pre-kindergarten to grade 12. Assignments should not exceed more than one school year. If they do, individuals must have their non-provisional teaching license reinstated. </p> <p>Those who do not hold a non-provisional teaching license must apply for an Emergency Teaching License, which permits the individual to substitute teach beyond the allowed timeline. </p> <p>To renew this license, you must complete and submit the appropriate application (along with all the required fees) to the TSPC every three years. </p> <h3 id="section---RestrictedSubstituteTeacherLicense">Restricted Substitute Teacher License</h3> <p>Individuals who have a bachelor's degree but have not completed a teacher preparation program can opt for a restricted substitute teacher license. This is acquired through district sponsorship, allowing one to substitute teach in most Oregon school districts (from pre-kindergarten to grade 12). </p> <p>You must maintain your sponsorship during your time as a 'restricted' substitute teacher. Assignments under this license must not exceed 10 consecutive days. To have it renewed, your district must submit a statement confirming their continued need for a substitute role. For the first time, just one year is covered; after that, the license is good for three years. </p> <p>A passing score on the Protecting Student and Civil Rights in the Educational Environment exam and the background clearance are also required..</p>