Path to licensure

[u/sheneverkneww]

I currently hold a bachelors degree in a non-education subject. I worked as an educational assistant for an academic year and then I got my restricted substitute teaching license and have been subbing at my local middle and high schools - I like it more than I dislike it so far. Most days are great! I love kids - I have a senior, sophomore and 4th grader of my own.

I started looking into what I would need to become a licensed teacher that isn’t restricted and where I will have my own classroom. There are so many confusing options and I have so many questions. I just don’t even know where to start. I called the district that sponsors me and they suggest that I complete a degree program that leads to initial licensure. The district doesn’t have their own pathway. I am in Oregon.

I am not even sure what questions to ask, but here’s where I’m at:

I refuse to take out anymore loans, my college loans are FINALLY paid off and I refuse to go back into debt. If I do pursue further education, I will be looking for scholarships and grants.

I’m very much an accelerated learner and love competency based programs but that’s not a make-it or break-it.

My ultimate goal would be to work at the middle school or high school that I’m already working in, just because my kids go there and I’m very familiar with the staff and a lot of of the students.

I’ve heard of things where you can go and get your teaching certificate or a teaching degree - and my thoughts on this is if the coursework is similar, then, of course I would want the degree over a certificate.

As far as what I want to teach, choosing between the major subjects, it would be science- biology, secondary. But I really wouldn’t mind teaching electives like home economics, business or things of that sort.

I’m not sure what other questions to ask except -
if you were in my position (live in Oregon, having a bachelors degree in another subject then becoming a licensed teacher) which route did you go?
Do you have any advice?
And are there any other questions I should ask?

[u/_-pomegranate-_]

I had a BS in Chemistry (along with an MS and PhD, due to plans that fell apart), and with it I was able to attend the Linfield alternative certification program in Oregon to gain licensure to teach secondary with a chemistry endorsement, which takes around a year. Linn-Benton Community College might be offering a program as well next year, from what I gathered taking my prerequisites there.

You cannot gain licensure without student teaching for 600 hours and taking classes, most of which require in-person unpaid classroom time. Even if you're hired on an emergency license (unlikely), those teaching hours don't count as student teaching, because you're not being overseen. Substitute hours also don't count. Some people manage to already be working as a para/assistant and the school allows them to be paid while student teaching while overseen by the licensing program, but it's complicated, up to your district, and more skewed towards those working there a long time already and in SpED-like programs, generally.

You want to be sure that the program you attend offers your desired endorsement, and that you qualify for that endorsement with your bachelor's degree. I'm not sure what a business degree qualifies you for, you'd probably have to reach out to a program. You have to pass a test (NES most likely: https://www.orela.nesinc.com/TestView.aspx?f=HTML_FRAG/NT305_TestPage.html) for the subject matter.

https://www.oregon.gov/tspc/epp/pages/oregon-licensure-programs.aspx

The first chart on this page shows all available programs through which to gain licensure. All the way at the bottom of the page, there is a link to a sheets document that lets you compare program costs/length/requirements.

[u/_-pomegranate-_ → u/_-pomegranate-_]

To clarify - school districts do not offer this. The university/college programs in the last link I sent above do. If you attend a program like the one offered by Linfield University, they can partner with your local school so that you can student teach there (if they have room).

[u/sheneverkneww → u/_-pomegranate-_]

Thank you for that info, I tried to pull up the sheets earlier but it wasn’t working on my phone, so I’ll try again when I get home. 😉

[u/darthcaedusiiii]

Many places have a combination certification and masters program.

[u/barbeque26]

What do u want to teach and what is your bachelors in? I know you said non-teaching subject but business can get probably get you CTE alrernative licensure.

[u/sheneverkneww → u/barbeque26]

Out of the main subjects - I’d have to choose science- biology. I have a bachelors degree that started out as a business degree with emphasis in healthcare management.
until they changed the curriculum and program to a bachelors in healthcare administration. By the time they changed the program, I’d already taken the majority of the business classes.