Specialized Roles in Education

Start by selecting the role you are interested in pursuing. Common pathways include:

• School Counselor
• School Psychologist
• School Social Worker
• Special Education Administration or Leadership Roles
• Instructional Coaching or Teacher Leadership Roles
• Speech-Language Pathologist
• Physical Therapist
• Occupational Therapist

Each role has different education and licensure requirements, so this step helps guide your next decisions.

Once you have identified your desired specialized role, it is important to understand which Oregon licensing agency oversees that profession. Requirements vary depending on the role and governing board.

Important Note
Because licensure pathways differ by profession, it is essential to confirm both:

• The required degree program
• The correct licensing agency (TSPC vs. a separate Oregon board)

This will ensure you select a program that aligns with your long-term career goals.

After identifying potential programs:

• Compare admission requirements and prerequisites
• Review program timelines and clinical requirements
• Attend information sessions or open houses
• Contact program coordinators directly for more information and to have your questions answered
• Ask about field placement support and internship structure

These steps will help you determine the best program fit for your career goals.

Once you’ve selected a program:

• Complete the application before the deadline
• Request official transcripts to have submitted with your application
• Submit required essays or personal statements (if required)
• Provide letters of recommendation (if required)
• Submit any required test scores (GRE or program-specific requirements)
• Track your application status closely

Most specialized roles require extensive supervised field experience.

If you are employed in NCSD and your program requires flexibility during the school year:

• Notify your building administrator as early as possible
• Communicate potential scheduling needs for internships or field placements
• Plan ahead to take a leave of absence, if needed (Please keep in mind this will be highly likely)
• Work with HR if leave of absence or placement planning is required

Early communication ensures proper planning and support.

If your program includes a practicum, internship, or field placement that overlaps with your work assignment, connect with HR early to discuss expectations and planning needs.

This helps ensure alignment between your program requirements and district staffing needs.

Please email HR at:

licensing@nclack.k12.or.us