Alternative Teaching Certification in Oregon
Oregon offers three types of alternative teaching licenses to applicants who do not fit the traditional mold of an initial applicant. These are the Restricted Transitional License, Limited License, and Three-Year Professional License.
Interested in learning about the traditional approach? Contact schools offering teaching certification programs in Oregon.
The Restricted Transitional License is intended for adults with work experience and an undergraduate degree who are making a career change to teaching. It is issued to the applicant and to the school district for which you will work while completing a teacher preparation program. It is valid for three years and not renewable, as at the end of those three years you must have completed the requirements for initial licensure.
The Limited License is designed for those with expertise in an area for which Oregon does not offer an endorsement (such as ROTC or Dance). It must be requested by a school district, and is limited to three years. It is a renewable license, but you must continue to work in that school district under the limited license.
The Three-Year Professional License allows those with professional industrial/technical experience to teach in Oregon schools.
Alternative Certification Requirements
Education Requirements
Restricted Transitional License: You must have at least a bachelor’s degree to receive this license. You must also agree to be mentored by a teacher in the school district in which you will work.
Limited License: You must have at least an associate’s degree to obtain this license. You must also agree to be mentored by a teacher in the school district in which you will work
Three-Year Professional License: There are no specific educational requirements for this license.
Examinations
Restricted Transitional License: No examinations are required to obtain this license. However, you must pass the required Basic Skills and Content Area Exams for your licensure area before applying for full teaching licensure.
Limited License: No examinations are required to obtain this license.
Three-Year Professional License: You pass an examination by an Instructor Appraisal Committee to earn this license.
Experience Requirements
Restricted Transitional License: No experience is mandated for this license, but it is assumed that you have experience in the area in which you have your bachelor’s degree.
Limited License: No experience is required for this license.
Three-Year Professional License: You must have experience as a technician, journeyman, or in management to obtain this license.
Criminal History Background Check
All applicants for alternative licensure in Oregon must complete fingerprinting and a criminal history background check. Your employing school district will provide you with a fingerprint card, which you will take to your local law enforcement agency, along with the Fingerprint Handler Form. The fingerprint handler will complete the form and card and return it to you in a sealed envelope. This must be mailed to TSPC with your licensure application.
Contact Information
For more information on alternative pathways to teacher licensure in Oregon, contact the TSPC at 503-378-3586 or contact.tspc@state.or.us.
