FOREST GROVE, Ore. — Fewer people are entering careers as educators, leading to teacher shortages statewide and across the country, according to experts.
There can also be obstacles to getting a teaching license. Teachers generally have to submit a portfolio to the state. The state then decides whether or not to grant them a teaching license.
But a relatively obscure program is allowing some people to enter teaching positions.
A program through Pacific University allows potential teachers to work in an apprenticeship. The program lasts 11 months, and during that time, mentees work as teachers in an Oregon school district.
They meet with mentors on weekends, and are critiqued during the school year. If they are deemed as qualified once the apprenticeship is over, they gain their permanent teaching license.
“Our model is a very high one-on-one support,” Kevin Carr, the Pacific University Chair of Alternative Programs said.
To qualify for the program, people have to already be teaching in schools, and have an advanced degree.
This year, Melissa Aranda, a third-grade teacher in the Forest Grove School District, is a permanent teacher after going through the program last year.
She had tried to become a teacher a decade ago, getting a master's degree. However, she was unable to pass state certification, and worked in the school district as a special education instructional assistant.
"I kind of was defeated at that point," Aranda said.
On Thursday, Aranda led her third-grade students through a lesson on fractions. She’s one of 50 teachers who have gained their license through the Pacific University program, since it began four years ago, Carr said.
"We have to broaden access to teaching professions to include a broader range of people," Carr added.
The program comes at a time when many aren’t going into the profession.
"There's not a bunch of people banging at the door to be a teacher," Aranda said.
One of the biggest school districts who has benefitted the most is the Salem-Keizer School District, Carr said.
Salem-Keizer is the second-biggest school district in the state.