How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Ohio

Ohio has a high demand for special education teachers. According to data from the Dept. of Labor, the Buckeye State is projecting an average of more than 1,500 open jobs every year for special education teachers, from now through 2032. The need is greatest at the high school level, followed by elementary.

If you’re interested in becoming a special education teacher in Ohio, this post will break down the requirements, the steps you could take to earn your license, and how long it might take for you to complete the process.

Comprehensive Guide on How to Become a Teacher in Ohio 

There are a few specific requirements for special education teachers (specific licensure exams, for example), but for the most part, special education teachers in Ohio follow the same basic steps to licensure as general education teachers.  

For an overview of the process, check out our How to Become a Teacher in Ohio guide. It covers license types in Ohio, different pathways for teachers, testing requirements, and more.  

What Do You Need to Be a Special Education Teacher in Ohio? 

To successfully step into an Ohio classroom as a special education teacher, you must meet a few fundamental requirements set by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. These include: 

• A bachelor’s degree
• A completed Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
• Passing scores on the required licensure exams
• A clear background check 

Your timeline depends on your starting point. If you’re a high school graduate and you still need to earn your bachelor’s degree, the most common route is to earn a bachelor’s in education from a 4-year college or university.  

If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, you don’t have to start over. You could complete a graduate-level EPP and earn your license that way. Your timeline from here depends on the EPP you choose. Some take around 2 years, while others are much faster. Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can be completed in as little as 9 months, 100% online.  

An important 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 Special Education Teacher in Ohio

In-State vs. Out-of-State Pathways 

Ohio offers multiple pathways to teacher licensure, designed to accommodate different backgrounds and career histories. 

In-state pathways: The traditional in-state pathway involves earning an education degree from an Ohio college or university. Ohio also has a list of Alternative Licensure Institutes for prospective teachers who already hold a bachelor’s degree but have not yet completed an EPP. 

Out-of-state pathway: Ohio has a specific pathway for teachers who complete an out-of-state EPP.  

The basic requirements for a teaching license are the same no matter which pathway you choose, so a lot of it comes down to personal preference and finding the EPP that best fits your needs.  

Steps to Licensure in Ohio 

If you choose to complete an out-of-state EPP, here’s an example of the steps you could take to earn your license to teach special education: 

• Earn your bachelor’s degree. If you have a bachelor’s in a field other than education, that’s great! You don’t have to start over.
• Complete your EPP. Moreland’s TEACH-NOW program can be completed in just 9 months, 100% online.
• Submit a letter of eligibility from your EPP.
• Pass the required licensure exams. For an endorsement to teach students with moderate/intensive needs, for example, you might take the Ohio Assessments for Educators tests for Special Education, Foundations of Reading, and the Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Multi-Age.
• Complete your background check and apply for your license.  

This is just one example of a potential path for an Ohio teacher. For more information, visit the state department of education website. 

Why an Out-of-State EPP (Reciprocity) Might Make Sense for You 

You might choose an out-of-state EPP if you’re already licensed to teach in another state but are planning to move to Ohio or if you simply prefer a program that isn’t on Ohio’s in-state list. Here are a few questions to ask as you consider EPP options: 

• Do you prefer an in-person or online program?
• How much is tuition (and are there payment plans or financing available)? 
• Does the EPP follow a regular academic calendar or have more regular start dates? 
• How long is the program?
• Will you get support and 1:1 attention from your instructors? 
• Will you have a mentor?

Once you figure out your EPP must-haves, your nice-to-haves, and your deal breakers, you can choose the program that best fits your needs. If it’s an in-state EPP, great! If it’s out-of-state, great! Ohio has paths for each.

Can You Become a Special Education Teacher in Ohio Without a Teaching Degree? 

Yes, you can absolutely become a special education teacher in Ohio even if your bachelor’s degree is not in education. Career changers make excellent teachers, bringing fresh perspectives and diverse skills. 

In fact, more and more teachers in Ohio are taking an alternative route to licensure. You could be next in line!  

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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.