How to Become a Teacher in Oregon & Teacher Prep Programs

How to Become a Teacher in Oregon

By earning an Oregon teaching license (also known as a teaching certificate or teaching credential) at George Fox University, you'll be equipped to teach in public and private schools in Oregon.

George Fox's School of Education is approved by the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) for the preparation of PreK-12 teachers.

Oregon Preliminary Teaching License Requirements

To become a teacher in Oregon, you will need to meet these requirements:

Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited school (see below)
Completion of a TSPC-approved teacher preparation program (bachelor's or master's degree), including a student teaching experience
License application and fee
Fingerprint background check
Successful completion of work samples and tests, such as the edTPA and Oregon Educator Licensure Assessments (ORELA) subject area exams*

After working as a teacher in an Oregon school for four years and completing advanced professional development, you will be eligible to apply for a Professional Teaching License.

*Note from ORELA: "The requirement for Oregon educator candidates to take and pass the ORELA Protecting Student and Civil Rights in the Educational Environment assessment has been revised. Some educator preparation providers (EPPs) meet this requirement through coursework and others will require passage of the assessment." Graduates of George Fox University's teaching programs meet this requirement by passing civil rights modules during the program.

Earn your Preliminary Teaching License through any of these teaching degree programs:

You don't need a master's degree to teach in Oregon. Whatever grade level you want to teach – early childhood, elementary school, middle school, or high school – you can do so with either a bachelor's or a master's degree in education so long as the program is approved by TSPC to train teachers for that grade level. If you already have a bachelor's degree but you didn't major in education, you'll need a master of arts in teaching degree.

2 Adult Masters students discuss teaching in a classroom

Graduate Teacher Preparation Programs

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) - Part-time and full-time programs throughout Oregon or through online virtual instruction. Specialist endorsements available.
Masters in Special Education - Online part-time program focused on just special education licensure preparation.

Undergraduate Teacher Preparation Programs

Don't have a bachelor's degree yet? No problem! There's still a straightforward path for you to become a teacher.

Bachelor's in Education

Already a Licensed Teacher?

We can help you renew your teaching license through our weekend, summer and online classes.

Renew Your License

Earn a Teaching Endorsement

As part of their teacher preparation program, educators typically specialize by earning one or more endorsements. These endorsements usually include either:

An elementary multiple subjects endorsement, which qualifies them to teach a range of core subjects in the K-8 grade levels
One or more single subject endorsements, which qualify them to teach that particular subject in middle school and high school

If you want to become a teacher for a particular subject in Oregon – such as art, physical education (PE), music, math, biology, etc. – you’ll need to earn a single subject endorsement in that area.

How to Earn an Endorsement

Complete the core requirements of your teacher preparation program
Take courses in the subject area you choose
If you’re pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education, these courses will be part of your degree program. If you already have a bachelor’s degree and are enrolled in a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program, some or all of this requirement may be fulfilled by courses you completed in your undergraduate program. If not, you can complete the courses you need as part of your MAT program.
Pass the appropriate subject area test, administered by a testing company
Complete your student teaching practicum in your chosen subject area

At George Fox, a few endorsements (ESOL, reading, and special education) require additional classes beyond the main teaching program.

Accreditation

Oregon TSPC Approved

George Fox University is approved by the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) to offer PreK-12 preliminary licensure with either a multiple subjects or single subjects focus. The Oregon Department of Education has given TSPC the responsibility of monitoring and issuing teacher certifications in Oregon. TSPC has also approved the School of Education for the preparation of principals, superintendents, and other administrators.

National Accreditation

The College of Education is accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) for its education programs at the initial teacher preparation and advanced educator preparation levels. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation designates AAQEP as a Recognized Accrediting Organization.

Regional Accreditation

George Fox University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. It is approved by the U.S. government and the states of Oregon and Idaho for the education of veterans, and by the U.S. attorney general for the admission of international students.

About George Fox

As Oregon's premier Christian university, faculty and students at George Fox University discuss moral and ethical issues within the context of a Christian worldview. The majority of teacher licensure candidates teach in public education and are taught to adhere to the constitutional guidelines regarding the separation of church and state.

However, like all teachers, they inevitably model their worldview by interacting with students, colleagues and parents in ways that are just and that demonstrate the value of each individual. The context of George Fox University as an independent Christian university enables students to expand their viewpoints and to learn to model their awareness and appreciation for student diversity.