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Prerequisite Coursework in Oregon
Generally speaking, states require that teachers hold at least a Bachelor’s degree. Some states require additional undergraduate coursework, but Oregon does not. In terms of undergraduate requirements, applicants for Oregon’s Preliminary Teaching License must only hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or foreign equivalent.
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Oregon Teacher Certification Programs
Educator Preparation Programs in Oregon are reviewed by the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission. In reviewing programs, the commission considers course syllabi, professors’ curriculum vitae, and other aspects. For a full list of teacher education programs approved by the state, see the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission of Oregon.
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Required Tests for Oregon
Educators in Oregon must pass two tests. The first is the Protecting Student and Civil Rights in the Education Environment Examination, also known as the Civil Rights/Ethics Exam. The second is the Subject Matter Exam specific to the license and endorsement being sought. Depending on the subject area, the particular test may be administered by Oregon Educator Licensure Assessments or ETS Praxis.
You can learn more about the Praxis exams by visiting Teach.coms’ Ultimate Guide to the Praxis Exams and read more about teacher certification tests on Teach.com.
Initial Teaching Certifications
Oregon’s Teacher Standards and Practices Commission offers a number of different teaching licenses which are issued according to applicants’ backgrounds. The Preliminary Teaching License is reserved for new teachers who have completed a Commission-approved teacher preparation program. It is valid for three years, and may not be renewed. Following the expiration of the Preliminary Teaching License, teachers in Oregon may apply for the Professional Teaching License, which has a term of five years and may be renewed.
