How to Become a High School Teacher in Ohio
Published: | by Hannah Sparling
High school teachers play a critical role in students’ lives. This is the last stretch of true childhood, and while you’re teaching math, English, or history, you’re also helping students uncover their passions, prepare for college or the workforce, and navigate the transition into adulthood.
If you’re considering becoming a high school teacher in Ohio, you’ll find a state that supports educators through mentorship, professional development, and flexible licensure pathways. This blog post will walk you through the steps you could take to become a high school teacher in Ohio.
Comprehensive Guide on How to Become a Teacher in Ohio
First, let’s back up. Because becoming a high school teacher in Ohio is a lot like becoming a teacher at any other level. You need a bachelor’s degree, and you’ll need to complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP) and pass the required licensure exams. High school teachers tend to specialize in a single subject area, whereas elementary school teachers, for example, usually teach a broader array of subjects. But many of the basic steps to licensure are the same.
For an overview of the process, check out our How to Become a Certified Teacher in Ohio guide. It contains information on license types in the Buckeye State, the steps to earning a teaching license, benefits of becoming a teacher in Ohio, and more.
What Do You Need to Be a High School Teacher in Ohio?
The Ohio Department of Education & Workforce sets specific standards for all incoming teachers in the state. Teachers need:
- A bachelor’s degree
- A completed EPP
- Passing scores on the required licensure exams (these vary based on the subject and grades you want to teach)
- A clear background check
If you’re curious about timeline, it depends largely on your starting point and the EPP you choose. If you’re a high school graduate and you know you want to be a teacher, it will probably take you 4 years to earn your license as you earn a bachelor’s degree in education and complete your student teaching.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field, you don’t have to start over. You could earn your license through a graduate-level EPP. Some of those take around 2 years, but others are faster. Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program, for example, can be completed in just 9 months, 100% online.
Now, it’s important to note: TEACH-NOW is an out-of-state EPP in Ohio, so you would follow the process for out-of-state licensure (more on that below).
Steps to Becoming a High School Teacher in Ohio
In-State vs. Out-of-State Pathways
More and more teachers in Ohio are choosing an alternate path to licensure. In 2012, Ohio had 261 teachers who earned a license via an alternative pathway, per state data. By 2022, that number had gone up to 629, a 141% increase.
Especially for career changers looking to pivot into teaching, Ohio offers plenty of flexibility in licensure pathways. There’s a list of state-approved EPPs along with a list of approved Alternative Licensure Institutes. If you prefer an out-of-state EPP, like Moreland University’s online TEACH-NOW program, Ohio also has a path for out-of-state licensure.
Steps to Licensure via an Out-of-State EPP
Here’s an example of the steps you could take to earn your teaching license using the out-of-state pathway:
- Earn your bachelor’s degree. Again, your degree does not need to be in education.
- Complete an EPP. The TEACH-NOW program can be completed in just 9 months.
- Submit a letter of eligibility from your EPP.
- Pass the required licensure exams. For example, if you want to teach high school physics and chemistry, you would take the Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) tests for those subjects along with the Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Adolescence to Young Adult (which is grades 7-12).
- Complete your background check.
- Apply for your license.
This is just one example of the steps you might take. For more details and information, visit the state department of education website.
Why the Out-of-State Path Might Make Sense for You
States offer different pathways to licensure to give aspiring teachers more options. So really, it comes down to your personal preferences, situation, and goals.
If you’re already a licensed teacher in another state, the out-of-state pathway is the easiest way to transfer your license and start teaching in Ohio. Or maybe you just prefer an out-of-state EPP to Ohio’s in-state options.
There’s a lot to consider when you’re evaluating and comparing your EPP choices:
- Do you prefer in-person or online?
- How long is the program and how much does it cost?
- How much support and attention will you get from your instructors?
- How is the EPP accredited?
- And more
Can You Become a High School Teacher in Ohio Without a Teaching Degree?
Yes, you can absolutely become a high school teacher in Ohio without an undergraduate degree in education. Some of the best teachers are career changers with experience and degrees in other fields. Especially at the high school level — as students are getting ready to launch their own careers — that experience and perspective can be incredibly valuable.
For more information, visit our Ohio teacher certification page.
Take the next step in your career with Moreland University. Earn your teaching license in as little as 9 months or your license plus an M.Ed. in as little as 12 months. Our programs are accredited and 100% online, with rolling admissions and monthly start dates.
Apply for free (the application only takes about 15 minutes), and you’ll hear back within 2 business days.
