Frequently Asked Questions

Please click on the numbered questions below for answers.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

1. What if I forgot my Username and Password on my online application?
2. How do I apply for a specific open position?
3. Can I apply for more than one job?
4. What if I completed an online application in the past?
5. What if I submitted application materials in a previous year?
6. What if I filled out the wrong application; how do I change it?
7. How will I know I successfully completed the online application?
8. What if I do not have a personal computer?
9. What if I have problems completing the online application?
10. What are “Applicant Pool” postings?

CERTIFIED/ LICENSED POSITIONS

1. What happens after my online application is complete?
2. I’m a teacher from a different state; what do I need to do to become a teacher in Oregon?
3. How do I know you received my online application?
4. What are the next steps after the online application?

CLASSIFIED POSITIONS

1. How do I apply for a Classified open position?
2. How soon will I be notified the outcome of a particular job that I applied and/or interviewed for?
3. Do I need to have 2 years of college in order to apply for classified positions?

SUBSTITUTE POSITIONS   

1. How do I become a Portland Public Schools (PPS) Substitute?
2. Do I need an Oregon Teaching License to Substitute teach?
3. What is the hiring process and how long does it take?
4. Do you sponsor substitutes and/or expedite substitute licenses? 
5. How do I register as a new substitute, get a substitute request number and pin number?

 
How do I apply for a specific open position?

You must have an active application online. Access your online application and use the link titled “All Jobs.” You may view and apply to specific positions from this link. Please note you must have the correct application type: for example, positions posted on the Classified Job Board will only be available to applicants with a Classified Application. Further, if you wish to apply for a certified/licensed or management position, you must submit the appropriate separate application type.

Can I apply for more than one job?

Yes. We encourage you the visit the Job Board often to review posted positions and apply if interested and qualified. Please note, if you wish to apply for multiple positions, they may require a separate application: that is, if you have a completed “classified” application but wish to apply for a management position, you must also submit a “management” application.

What if I completed an online application in the past?

If you completed an online application in the past, use your Username and Password to access your application, review and make any changes. Please note that you must have a separate application type depending on the category of job you are interested in. For example, if you wish to apply for a teaching position and a principal position, you must submit both “certified/licensed” and “management” applications.

What if I forgot my Username and Password on my online application?

Go back to your online application and then click “Forgot Your Password.” If you remember your Username enter it into the Username box. If you have forgotten your Username and Password, enter your email address in the Email box. Once you click “Request Password,” your Username will be shown near the top of the screen and your password will be emailed to your email address.

What if I submitted application materials in a previous year?

Complete applications will be stored for two years; if your file was incomplete we encourage you to resend the materials for each new school year. Depending on volume of applications, it may take up to 3-5 business days to retrieve previous application files.

What if I filled out the wrong application; how do I change it?

If you filled out the wrong application, go to your online application by entering your Username and Password. Once you are in your online application, find the field name “Applicant Type” then move the cursor over to “Change Applicant Type.” You will now see the three different types of applications; select the one you prefer and click “Save and Next.” Be sure to complete any additional sections required.

How will I know I successfully completed the online application?

You will receive an email confirming that your online application has reached Human Resources. Keep in mind that an application is not considered complete until all additional application materials are received in Human Resources.

What if I do not have a personal computer?

You may use any computer which can access the Portland Public Schools web site (www.pps.k12.or.us). Most public libraries have computers with internet access. Portland Public Schools has a computer kiosk available during regular business hours for use in submitting online applications. The kiosk is located inside Human Resources on the second floor of the District administrative building (501 N. Dixon).

What if I have problems completing the online application?

First, try clicking the “HELP” button located on the left panel of each section. If you still have questions or call PPS Human Resources at (503) 916-3544.

What are “Applicant Pool” postings?

Some positions are posted in order to develop an applicant pool; these are not for specific locations. We encourage you to apply to an applicant pool for which you are qualified and interested in. Applicant pool postings will be open year round, for the current and next school year.

What happens after my online application is complete?

The hiring manager will review postings and contact applicants for an interview. Applicant pools are posted in order to develop an applicant pool; these are not for specific locations.

If you are interested in a specific position listed on our web site, make sure you "apply" to the specific posting to be considered.

I'm a teacher from a different state; what do I need to do to become a teacher in Oregon?

If you are an out-of-state teacher the first step is to contact the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission: www.tspc.state.or.us or call (503) 378-3586 to inquire about teaching licensure for the State of Oregon.

How do I know you received my online application?

We receive all complete online applications. To make sure you have a complete online application, log into your online application, then select the "log out" link located on the menu bar to the left. If you missed any required fields, the system will list the missing information. If you completed the application, you will be routed to www.pps.k12.or.us.

What are the next steps after the online application?

Your application will be reviewed according to current district needs. Candidates who meet the employment criteria may be scheduled for an interview.

If the applicant is recommended for hire, he or she will be asked to provide specific documents.

How do I apply for a Classified open position?

To apply for a classified position, you must first complete an online classified application. Second, you must submit the required additional application materials: Letter of interest, resume (optional), two signed letters of recommendation and official sealed transcripts from each university and college attended (if required for the particular job posting). If you previously submitted official sealed transcripts to our district, please note that in your current letter of interest; we will retrieve your file. Third, you must go to the job posting and click on “apply” to link your application to that posting. Once we receive your complete application materials, your status will be changed to “Ready for Screening”. Only applications that are complete and ready for screening will be considered for an interview.

How soon will I be notified the outcome of a particular job that I applied and/or interviewed for?

After a particular position has closed, the hiring administrator will begin screening those applicants who have submitted all the required materials and are “Ready for Screening”. The hiring administrator will decide who to invite for an interview based on the qualifications listed on the application. If there are current Portland Public Schools employees who have applied, applicable bargaining unit contracts may require that certain unit members be invited for an interview as well. If you have been invited for an interview, the hiring administrator will let you know of the outcome of the interview after the selection has been made. Once the selected candidate has been offered the position, all candidates who have applied for that position will be notified via email that the position has been closed.

Do I need to have 2 years of college in order to apply for classified positions?

The minimum requirements of a particular position will be specified in the job announcement. Certain paraprofessional positions such as ESL Bilingual Assistants, Educational Assistants, Instructional Technology Assistants, Library Assistants, Special Education Paraeducators 1, 2, or 3, and Community Agents require 2 years of college (Associates degree or higher, 72 quarter-hours or 48 semester hours) in order to meet the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act if the positions are located in schools or programs that are funded by Title 1.

How do I become a Portland Public Schools (PPS) Substitute?

To become a PPS Substitute, you must apply to an open certified or classified substitute applicant pool.  

Do I need an Oregon Teaching License to Substitute teach?

Yes, if you have questions regarding the licensure process or if you are eligible for a license please contact Teacher Standards and Practice Commission (TSPC) at (503) 378-3586 or online at http://www.tspc.state.or.us.

 What is the hiring process and how long does it take?

After you have completed and submitted the entire online application, we will review applications according to our district's need. We will only contact you if you have been selected for an interview. Once the interview is completed depending on district need you will be invited in to fill out new hire paperwork and an orientation. Prior to the orientation you must submit additional documents refer to "Next Steps" under the Certified/Licensed employment process. After orientation, we then complete a background check and reference check. When everything is completed the sub office will contact you with your substitute information. Processing time after orientation is 15 - 20 days.

Do you sponsor substitutes and/or expedite substitute licenses?

No, due to the volume of substitutes and applicants we do not have a need to sponsor substitutes or expedite substitute licenses.

How do I register as a new substitute, get a substitute request number and pin number?

The Portland Public Schools substitute office will contact applicants who have been selected to complete the entire application and hiring process. The substitute office will inform the applicant about registration on SmartFind Express^TM.