The purpose of this statement is to clarify three paths to becoming a teacher that may be of interest to HDFS students. Graduates may assume teaching roles in programs that do not require an Oregon teaching license. Often, after an initial orientation period as an assisting teacher, our graduates are eligible to become lead teachers or program directors in prekindergarten programs such as Head Start or childcare or in care programs for school-aged children. Graduates who move to other states often find themselves eligible for state teaching licenses or certificates for the prekindergarten years, based upon coursework completed here.
Some states have many more prekindergarten programs sponsored by public schools than does Oregon.
There is a national shortage of prekindergarten teachers that is expected to increase, as more states are adding additional home-based and classroom services for this age group and more public schools are sponsoring prekindergarten programs. Pay and benefit options for teachers vary dramatically by program location and sponsorship. The new standards support the Oregon Educational Act for the 21 st Century. The licensure program aligns the levels of licensure with the developmental levels of children or youth to be served. Oregon's licensure program is compatible with requirements of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.