How to Become an Elementary School Teacher in Ohio
| by Hannah Sparling
There’s a lot to love about teaching at the elementary school level. Recess during the workday. Art projects with construction paper, paint, and sticky paste. The chance to teach children how to read and how to work and play together, building a foundation they can use for the rest of their lives.
If you’re considering this rewarding career path in Ohio, you’re in luck: The Buckeye State has a high demand for elementary school teachers, with more than 3,200 projected job openings every year from now through 2032. This blog post will walk you through the steps you could take to earn your license and launch your career as an elementary school teacher.
Comprehensive Guide on How to Become a Teacher in Ohio
While middle- and high school teachers tend to focus on a single subject area, elementary school teachers need to be proficient in multiple subjects, including reading, math, and science. This affects the licensure exams elementary school teachers need to pass as well as the teaching methods and strategies they may employ.
Outside of licensure exams, though, elementary teachers follow the same basic steps to licensure as educators at other levels. For a broad overview of teacher licensure in the Buckeye State, check out our How to Become a Certified Teacher in Ohio guide. It has information on licensure pathways, license types, testing requirements, and more.
What Do You Need to Be an Elementary School Teacher in Ohio?
These are the basic requirements to become an elementary school teacher in Ohio:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Completed Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
- Passing scores on the required licensure exams
- Clear background check
Your timeline depends on your starting point. If you’re a high school graduate and you know you want to be an elementary school teacher, you can go to a 4-year college or university and earn your bachelor’s degree in elementary education.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree in another subject — maybe you’re a career changer looking to pivot into teaching — your timeline could be much faster. You don’t have to start over and earn a new bachelor’s degree; instead, you could complete a graduate level EPP and earn your Ohio teaching license that way.
Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program, for example, can be completed online in as little as 9 months. TEACH-NOW has rolling admissions and monthly start dates. Since it’s an out-of-state EPP in Ohio, you would follow the process for out-of-state licensure.
Steps to Becoming an Elementary School Teacher in Ohio
In-State vs. Out-of-State Pathways
Ohio offers a lot of flexibility when it comes to earning your license. 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.
Ohio maintains a list of state-approved EPPs for teachers along with a list of approved Alternative Licensure Institutes. For those who prefer an out-of-state EPP, like Moreland’s TEACH-NOW program, Ohio has options for out-of-state licensure as well.
Each of these pathways leads to a valid teaching license in Ohio, so a lot of it comes down to personal preference: What’s your timeline for earning your license? Do you prefer an in-person or online program? How much is tuition? How is the program structured?
If you need help getting started, Moreland University has a Guide to Finding Your Right-Fit Educator Preparation Program. It breaks down what to look for in an EPP and how to find a program that fits your needs, interests, and goals.
Steps to Licensure in Ohio
Here’s an example of the steps you could take to earn your Ohio teaching license, following the out-of-state pathway:
- Earn your bachelor’s degree. This degree does not necessarily have to be in education.
- Complete an EPP. Moreland’s TEACH-NOW program can be completed in as little as 9 months, including student teaching.
- Submit a letter of eligibility. You will request this document from your EPP.
- Pass the required licensure exams. For example, to earn a license to teach preschool through grade 5, you might take the Ohio Assessments for Educators Primary Education (PK-5) test, the Foundations of Reading test, and the Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Primary Education.
- Complete your background check.
- Apply for your license online.
This is just one example of a potential path for an aspiring elementary school teacher in Ohio. For more detailed information, visit the Ohio Department of Education website.
Why the Out-of-State Pathway Might Make Sense for You
Navigating state licensure can feel complicated. But in a lot of ways, it comes down to your personal preferences, goals, and situation. For many teachers, the traditional undergraduate degree in education is the best route; for others, an alternative route is a better fit.
The out-of-state pathway often makes sense for people who:
- Already hold a teaching license in another state and want to transfer to Ohio
- Prefer an out-of-state EPP. Maybe it’s an online and/or accelerated program like TEACH-NOW that gives you more flexibility in balancing work and family commitments.
Ohio does offer a 1-Year Out-of-State License that allows educators to teach in an Ohio school while they complete the required licensure exams or reading and phonics coursework. This could allow you to start teaching sooner, earning a salary and gaining valuable classroom experience.
Can You Become an Elementary School Teacher in Ohio Without a Teaching Degree?
Yes, you can absolutely become an elementary school teacher without an undergraduate degree in education. If you hold a bachelor’s degree in any field, you could pursue your elementary teaching license through an alternative or graduate-level EPP.
Bringing career experience from another industry can greatly enhance your skills as an educator. You’ll bring fresh perspectives and real-world knowledge that you can share with your students.
Ready to take the next step? Earn your teaching license in as little as 9 months with Moreland University. Our TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program is accredited and 100% online, with rolling admissions and monthly start dates.
Once you complete the TEACH-NOW program, you have the option to add on a master’s degree in just 3 additional months. Apply for free (the application only takes about 15 minutes), and you’ll hear back within 2 business days.
