Oregon Special Education Teacher Guide
Everything you need to know about becoming a special education teacher in Oregon: licensing requirements, continuing education, salary data, and key resources. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your license, this is your complete Oregon guide.
How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Oregon
NASET membership is one of the most strategic career investments an Oregon special education teacher can make. Nearly all Oregon school districts exceed the state’s 11% special education enrollment cap, reflecting a growing need for well-credentialed educators statewide.
To earn your Oregon teaching license with a special education endorsement, meet requirements set by the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC):
- Earn a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution through a TSPC-approved Educator Preparation Program
- Complete a 600-hour student teaching placement, among the most rigorous in the country
- Pass the Oregon Educator Licensure Assessment (ORELA) or Praxis Subject Assessment for your endorsement
- Complete an approved Teacher Performance Assessment (TPA), such as the edTPA
- Apply through the TSPC eLicense portal
Oregon issues an Initial I Teaching License (entry-level) followed by an Initial II (second-level). Upgrading to a Professional Teaching License requires four full years of teaching.
👉 Join Today to get instant access to nearly 80 professional development courses, submittable to your district for renewal credit!
Become a NASET Member today to get instant access to almost 80 CTLE-eligible PD courses!
Continuing Education & License Renewal in Oregon
Oregon teachers renew on a tiered schedule: Preliminary License holders complete 75 PDUs every 3 years, while Professional License holders complete 125 PDUs every 5 years. PDUs must align with professional goals and are approved at the district or ESD level through the TSPC eLicense portal.
NASET has confirmed district and ESD-level acceptance in Oregon. Educators may use NASET courses with district or ESD approval. Use AUN# 300003228 or CPE# 910014 when requesting administrator approval.
Oregon also provided $8.9 million in special educator stipends for 2024-25 via SB 5701 for educators spending 50%+ of their time with students with IEPs. NASET certifications help document that expertise.
Contact careercenter@naset.org for a district support letter or download the free Admin Approval Guide.
Become a NASET Member today and save 15% on your Board Certification in Special Education — the gold standard credential for special ed teachers nationwide!
Special Education Teacher Salary in Oregon
Oregon educators in this field earn above-average compensation statewide.
- Average salary: ~$64,598-$68,356/year (ZipRecruiter/Glassdoor, 2026)
- Typical range: $56,312-$83,298; top earners up to $99,358
- Portland Public Schools, Salem-Keizer, and Multnomah ESD: top-paying employers
Earning potential grows with credentials and experience. Oregon’s IEP enrollment and rural ESD shortages mean credentialed educators have strong advancement opportunities.
Explore the State-by-State Guide to compare Oregon with other states.
IEPs in Oregon
Oregon follows all federal IDEA requirements through the ODE Office of Inclusive Education:
- Under Oregon Administrative Rule 581-015-2215, all Oregon districts must use the Oregon Standard IEP form, required statewide since September 1, 2015
- IEPs are reviewed annually, with reevaluations every three years
- Transition planning begins at age 16; services available through age 21
- Oregon’s 197 school districts are supported by Educational Service Districts (ESDs), coordinating IEP services across rural regions
Browse IEPs from Around the Country, download the Completed Sample IEP, and use the measurable annual goals guide as a companion to Oregon’s Standard IEP.
Become a NASET Member today and earn the certifications that move you up the salary schedule, trusted by special educators across the country!
Key Resources for Oregon Special Education Teachers
State Resources:
- TSPC Licensing: oregon.gov/tspc
- ODE Special Education: oregon.gov/ode/special-education
- Oregon Standard IEP Form: oregon.gov/ode/standard-iep
- IEP Development: naset.com/iep-development
- Annual and Triennial Reviews: naset.com/annual-triennial
Advance Your Career With NASET
NASET is the leading professional organization for disability educators in the U.S. Oregon special education teachers get professional development, publications, job boards, and ESD-approvable PDU courses through membership.
All certifications, including the BCSE, BCASE, and BCIEP, can be submitted using AUN# 300003228 or CPE# 910014. Whether you are earning your Initial I License or leading IEP teams across Oregon’s ESD network, your membership is the most powerful professional investment available. Become a NASET Member | Get BCSE Certified
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