Are you planning to teach in Ohio?
There are layers of requirements that must be fulfilled depending on who you are and where you enter the licensing process. Beginning in 2011, additional programs and requirements have been added to Ohio’s teaching licensure process.
The Ohio Department of Education lists a variety of available licenses depending on preparation and education, intended teaching level and content area, as well as prior experience.
To receive an initial license, a 4-Year Resident Educator License, the applicant must have attended an approved teacher-prep program. (All acceptable institutions of higher education and educator licensure programs for the preparation of pre-K through grade 12 educators and other school personnel have been approved by the Chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents. The standards and requirements for such educator licensure preparation programs are developed and approved by the Ohio State Board of Education.)
In addition, the first-time applicant must also have passed the appropriate licensure exams.
The Ohio Department of Education describes the Resident Educator Program, implemented in 2011 and connected to that initial license, as follows:
… a comprehensive, four-year initiative to assist beginning teachers with mentoring and professional development as they start their education careers. The Resident Educator Program is designed to improve teacher retention, enhance teacher quality, and result in improved student achievement. The Ohio Resident Educator Program can be envisioned as a professional pathway to continued professional learning, leading educators to more effective practices and excellence in teaching.
Once the Resident Educator Program is successfully completed and the educator has passed the Resident Educator Summative Assessment (RESA), she is then eligible to apply for the 5-Year Professional Teaching License.
The Professional License is Ohio’s basic teaching license beyond the initial mentoring period and requires coursework or continuing education units to renew. However, beginning in January 2017, as teachers distinguish themselves by consistently performing at high levels, they may receive a higher level Professional License (Lead Professional or Senior Professional) and be exempt from coursework for the next renewal.
There are additionally required exams that have been added for teachers currently licensed in the areas they teach. Beginning in 2015-2016, some currently licensed teachers now also need to take tests in content areas they instruct.
Certain educator licenses issued after July 1, 2017 will require a reading test (Ohio Assessment for Educators) for teachers who seek an early childhood (grades preK-3), middle childhood (grades 4-9), intervention specialist or early childhood intervention specialist educator license.
Ohio also offers ways to receive supplemental licenses allowing teaching in additional areas from initial licensing and a variety of alternative paths.
For Additional Ohio Licensing Information for the Ohio Department of Education, please visit:
For a One-Stop Guide to Ohio Licensing (also for other states)
http://www.teaching-certification.com/ohio-teaching-certification.html