Become a teacher at PSU.
PSU has a history of educating high-quality teachers who have a strong commitment to equity, inclusion and social justice, and a deep toolbox of cutting-edge practices and techniques.
We’re filling the gaps in a high-demand field by training the next generation of impact-driven educators, and giving you multiple pathways to become a teacher. Whether you want to go into elementary education or get a position as a high school science teacher, PSU’s programs will develop your skills and expand your opportunities in the field.
Great teachers get their start at PSU.
While you can take multiple paths to become a teacher at PSU, our education advisors and faculty invite you to consider the following timeline. You’ll have the chance to explore your options, narrow in on your focus, and gain hands-on experience before you enter the education field.
Steps to Become a Teacher
- Apply to PSU. Get started by submitting your application to PSU. We offer several direct pathways to become a teacher in Oregon.
- Determine if teaching is the right career for you. As an undergraduate, you can enroll in a foundational education course or two. We recommend Foundations of Education and Teachers as a Career to get an introduction to the daily work you’ll be expected to do throughout your career. If you have completed your bachelor’s degree, make an appointment with an admissions advisor. If you’re interested in working in education, but not as a teacher, we offer programs in administration and student support.
- Choose your track. Determine the population you want to teach: early childhood (daycare/preschool), elementary school students (kindergarten through fifth grade), middle school/high school students (6th - 12th grade), or special education (early childhood through high school). Students who want to become teachers can choose from a wide variety of majors, but the age group and subject you want to teach is a big factor in choosing your major.
- Complete a PSU teacher preparation program for Elementary, Secondary, or Special Education. If you’re interested in special or elementary education, we offer bachelor’s and master’s programs through which you can earn your Oregon Teaching License. If you plan to teach secondary education or physical education, music, or art, you’ll choose a subject area and major in that, then complete a graduate teaching program.
- Apply for your license through the state, complete your background check, and pass testing requirements. Upon completion of your program, PSU will recommend you for licensure and assist you in applying for your Oregon Teaching License.
- Apply for teaching jobs in Oregon! Throughout your time at PSU, you’ll build connections among the extensive network of partnerships we have with local schools and school districts. Principals around the region seek out PSU teacher candidates for student teaching placements and teacher positions, particularly in Portland Public Schools, Oregon’s largest school district.
PSU is addressing Oregon’s teacher shortage.
Our reputation as a standout teacher preparation program has helped us build an extensive network of partnerships with local schools and school districts—and get our graduates jobs. Principals around the region seek out PSU teacher candidates for student teaching placements and teacher positions, particularly in Portland Public Schools. In fact, our graduates are so in demand, that our graduate teacher program boasts a 92% immediate employment rate.
Earn a great starting salary.
Oregon ranks 13th highest for average teacher pay in the country, which means our teachers earn more than most of their peers nationwide.
Teachers in Oregon and the Portland metro area earn an average starting salary of $53,000, giving you the opportunity to make a solid and reliable income from the moment you graduate. On average, you’ll also receive 9 weeks of summer vacation each year.
Teachers receive regular automatic salary increases, paid professional development, and stipends to pay for continuing graduate education. The average salary of a teacher in Oregon is around $75,000 and current maximums go up to $119,000.