Oregon requires (ORS 342.223. Chapter 584-050-0012) all teacher trainer students undergo the state Criminal History Background check process or provide proof of an active license prior to entering schools for field placement. Under the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) rules, fingerprinting is restricted to the specific institute for which they are taken and specifically prohibit sharing of this information between institutions.TSPC uses an online e-licensure application system to ensure the following are recorded:
1. Fingerprinting (checks Oregon and FBI criminal records)
2. LEDS (Law Enforcement Data System, the Oregon State Police database), and
3. Responses to Character Questions
See TSPC’s Fingerprint FAQ for state guidelines.
Completing this process could take between 4 to 8 weeks depending on your situation. Be sure to start early to ensure you are able to start your practicum experience in September.
| Summer Term Timeline | Activity |
| Week 1 & 2 | All COE students assigned to field placement of any kind must complete a fingerprint-based criminal history check PRIOR TO their first term in the field. Start here: https://apps.oregon.gov/TSPC/eLicense |
| Week 3-4 | Complete Fieldprint Fingerprinting process |
| Week 6-7 | Upload TSPC approved email with name & clearance date to UOTeach Program Canvas site under Fingerprinting Assignment |
| Complete district clearance, if applicable |
- Note: All Educational Foundations undergraduate alumni are required by TSPC to complete a new clearance check for the graduate level student practicum.
- Candidates without a Social Security Card (SSC) number (e.g. Int’l, Dreamers) are able to apply for the TSPC background check but must email TSPC at finger.printing@oregon.gov directly to request a substitute number. It’s not necessary to give a reason; all they have to say is that they don’t have an SSN.
- The TSPC background check is valid for three years. However, any misconduct that is in breach of the Oregon Standards for Competent and Ethical Performance of Oregon Educators must be reported to TSPC Oregon Administrative Rules 584-020-005 through 584-020-0045) must be reported to TSPC and the UOTeach director. Failure to comply may result in corrective action, disciplinary action and potential dismissal from the program.
4-Step Completion Process:
- Step 1 – TSPC Clinical Practices Application ($71.00)- https://apps.oregon.gov/TSPC/eLicense
- Step 2 – Fieldprint Fingerprint Scanning (link in TSPC email, $12.50)
- Step 3 – Confirmation of TSPC Approval TSPC Public Search
- Step 4 – Upload TSPC confirmation of approved background check to UOTeach Program Canvas site under Fingerprinting Assignment
Direct questions about the fingerprinting / background check process to TSPC directly or uoteachpracticum@uoregon.edu.
[embeddoc url=”https://uoteach.uoregon.edu/files/2020/07/TSPC-Background-Clearance-Requirements-1.pdf” download=”all” viewer=”google” ]
COE-TSPC-Background-Clearance-Application-July2020
District Approval for Pre-Service Teachers
Please be aware that your district may also require that you complete a district background check. You must comply with the policies and procedures of the school district.
Exception: Licensed teachers with prior Oregon TSPC approval must provide UOTeach with verification from https://apps.oregon.gov/TSPC/eLicense/Search/PublicSearch
Background Clearance – Fingerprinting – adapted from http://www.oregon.gov/tspc/pages/Fingerprinting.aspx