Masters to teach in Oregon? (Eugene, Springfield: school district, university, moving to)

[saraheh]

I will be getting my bachelors in elementary education in April in Utah. My husband and I are then moving to Eugene, Oregon, where I am planning on teaching. I have heard, however, that it will be hard to me to get hired without a masters as well. Is this true? Will it be better for me to get my masters first and then try to get a job? Or should I try to teach and get my masters at the same time? How does it work in Oregon?

Thanks!
Sarah

[haggardhouseelf]

Hi Sarah - Here is a link to the Oregon Department of Education (http://www.oregon.gov/ODE/ - broken link) website. Hope this points you in the right direction so you can get your questions answered. Also, I would recommend checking local school district job listings or even calling the districts and asking questions. Happy travels!

[Acuda]

If I remember correctly, Oregon is either encouraging or now requiring teachers to get masters. Since you are coming from out of state, you should check with ODE. However, you will find it difficult to find a teaching position in Eugene. There is absolutely NO teacher shortage in the area.

There are 3 teaching colleges in Eugene (UofO, Pacific University, Northwest Christian) alone. Both Oregon and Pacific are very respected teaching programs and have a ton of student teachers in the local schools. Those young teachers are coming out with masters in teaching/education and with experience/connections in those schools. Competition will be fierce for the openings that come up.

If you do not get offered, consider subbing. Subs make around $130 a day (I believe) and it will get you into the schools to make those connections with principals. There are a few districts around the area: 4j (Eugene), Springfield, Bethel, Fern Ridge).

Good Luck