Portland Dual Language Teacher residency Program

What is the Portland Dual Language Teacher Residency Program? 

As the Dual Language continues to expand its programs Portland Public Schools is looking for bilingual educators interested in teaching in a Dual Language Immersion setting. 

First, candidates apply to the program and complete a partner language assessment.  Second, candidates apply to Bilingual Teacher Pathway Elementary or Secondary and must be accepted into the university's teacher preparation program. The final step is to apply and be hired for positions in the Portland Public Schools. In their first year, candidates work as substitute teacher in PPS or remain in their current job. Candidates with prior teaching experience may apply for a teaching position in their first year if there are vacancies. In their second year, depending on vacancies,  candidates can apply for teaching positions. Teacher Residents who accept a job offer apply for a Restricted Teaching License, which can be renewed twice as they complete their university program. Teacher Residents who are hired into substitute teaching positions would apply for a Restricted Substitute License.

While we expand our recruitment efforts through collaboration with the PPS Human Resources, we anticipate that the current national market will not be able to provide the large numbers of bilingual teachers needed to support our nationally recognized dual language immersion programs nor our robust world language programs. Therefore, we are joining states across the country in establishing alternative pathways to certification.

How many dual language programs does PPS have? 

1. Spanish: 20 schools 

2. Chinese/Mandarin: 7 schools

3. Japanese: 3 schools

4. Vietnamese: 3 schools

5. Russian: 3 schools

What Bilingual Substitutes do?

•     Substitute in PK-12 classes (all subjects) 

In what setting would I teach if hired as a teacher?

Elementary: Dual Language Immersion Program (DLI)

• •  PK-5 grade - All subjects in one classroom in both languages

Secondary: World Language and/or DLI Program

• • Middle school (6-8th grade) 

    • • Language Arts in partner language and/or English in DLI

      • Social Studies in partner language and/or English in DLI

      • World Language

  • High School (9-12th grade)

    • • DLI and/or World Language 

What supports will I receive?

Many of our teacher residents are people of color who have faced institutional and economic barriers to realizing their calling to serve the community through teaching. Our program removes these barriers and supports teacher residents intensely during their first three years as educators and thereafter. 

Supports during recruitment:

Our recruitment and admissions process involves three steps:

1. Preliminary Admissions by vetting through the Dual Language office.

2. Admissions into a teacher preparation program at Portland State University's Bilingual Teacher Pathway, either elementary or secondary program.

3. Employment with Portland Public Schools. 

Our DLI staff guides each candidate through this process by providing information sessions and connections with key district and university personnel. 

Supports the first three years:

In addition to completing a state approved licensure program at a university, accepted candidates can access supports by DLI and the district. This includes opportunities to participate in the district organized teacher training, and if hired as a teacher, the access to a mentor teacher and collaboration with experienced teachers.