How to Get Your Ohio Teaching License

Teach in Ohio

Earning your Ohio teaching license is an important step toward a fulfilling career in education. Ohio offers flexible licensure pathways, extra support for new teachers, comprehensive benefits, and a strong demand for educators throughout the state. 

This guide will walk you through the steps to earning your teaching license in Ohio — from choosing the right Educator Preparation Program (EPP) to passing the required exams and applying for your credential. 

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Teach In Ohio

Ohio Department of Education

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce oversees teacher licensure in the state. The department offers detailed information on licensing requirements, pathways to licensure, and teaching opportunities across the Buckeye State.

How to Become a Licensed Teacher in Ohio

Ohio offers multiple pathways to the classroom, designed to accommodate different backgrounds and career histories.

The Traditional Pathway

If you’re a high school graduate and you know you want to become a teacher, the most common route is to earn a bachelor’s degree in education from a 4-year college or university.

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The Alternative Pathway

If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education, you can start teaching in Ohio with an Alternative Resident Educator License while you complete your EPP. Ohio has a list of approved Alternative Licensure Institutes.

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Out-of-State Pathway

Ohio has a list of state-approved EPPs. If you complete an out-of-state EPP, such as Moreland University’s online, 9-month TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program, you can apply for your Ohio license using the out-of-state licensure pathway.

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Benefits of Earning Your Ohio Teaching License

High Demand for Teachers

Ohio is projecting a 2% increase in jobs for elementary and middle school teachers by 2032 (compared to 2022) and a 3% increase in jobs for secondary school teachers, according to the U.S. Dept. of Labor. That’s an average of 8,770 open jobs every year.

Strong Teacher Pensions

When teachers are hired, they start contributing to the state’s pension system. In Ohio, the STRS Ohio Teacher Pension fund is well established. The average monthly pension benefit for retirees is $4,625, and teachers increase their benefits with years of experience.

Early Career Mentorship

Ohio is known for providing support and mentorship for teachers who are early in their careers, according to the Learning Policy Institute. This means new teachers have someone to learn from and rely on as they settle into the field.

Flexible Licensure Pathways

Ohio welcomes career changers and offers multiple paths to teacher licensure. Districts can even recruit their own students and staff to become teachers within the district through Ohio’s Grow Your Own Scholarship Program.

License Types in Ohio 

Ohio offers multiple license types to support teachers in different situations and at different stages of their careers. 

Resident Educator License

This is Ohio’s entry level license for teachers who have completed an EPP and passed their licensure exams. The Resident Educator License is valid for 2 years but can be extended to allow teachers time to complete Ohio’s Resident Educator Program.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Completed EPP
  • Passing scores on the required licensure exams
  • Completion of any required reading coursework (for specific licensure areas)
  • Fingerprint and background checks 

Alternative Resident Educator License

This is a 2-year license for people who already have a bachelor’s degree but have not yet completed an EPP.

Requirements:

1-Year Out-of-State License

This is a temporary, nonrenewable license for educators who completed an out-of-state EPP or are licensed in another state. This license requires the applicant to be employed by an Ohio school and gives them time to complete Ohio’s specific licensure exams or reading and phonics coursework. 

Requirements:

  • A valid out-of-state teaching license or a letter of eligibility from your EPP 
  • Employment in an Ohio school or district (your district will initiate the license request)
  • Fulfilment of all requirements for a standard Ohio teaching license except for the required Ohio licensure exams or reading/phonics coursework

Professional Teacher License

This is the next tier on Ohio’s career ladder for teachers. Following the professional license, Ohio teachers can advance to a Senior Professional Educator License and then a Lead Professional Educator License.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree and completed EPP 
  • At least two years of experience  
  • Successful completion of the Ohio Resident Educator Program  
  • Completion of any outstanding coursework or exam requirements from your initial license
  • Ongoing coursework and/or professional development

For comprehensive information and additional license types, visit the Ohio Department of Education website. There are pages for in-state and out-of-state license types.

Ohio Teacher Education Requirements

General Requirements

Ohio teachers must hold at least a bachelor’s degree and: 

  • Complete an EPP, including student teaching
  • Pass the required licensure exams 
  • Clear state and federal background checks 

Testing Requirements

Educators in Ohio take licensure exams based on their grade level and subject area(s). There are three main testing providers in Ohio: Pearson, Educational Testing Service (ETS), and the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages and Language Testing International. 

For more information, visit the state’s Licensure Testing Requirements page.   

Education Requirements

If your bachelor’s degree is in a field other than education, you can earn your Ohio teaching license through an alternative EPP. Ohio has a list of state-approved Alternative Licensure Institutes. If you complete an out-of-state program, like Moreland University’s 9-month, 100% online TEACH-NOW program, you’ll follow Ohio’s process for out-of-state licensure.

Ohio Licensing Application Process

Once you’ve completed the necessary requirements for teacher licensure in Ohio, you’ll apply for your license online. This process involves submitting essential documents, including official transcripts and exam score reports, and paying the license application fee.

Ohio Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs)

Ohio has a list of approved EPPs along with a list of approved Alternative Licensure Institutes. Out-of-state programs must be accredited to be accepted. For example, Moreland University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, among others.

If you complete an out-of-state program to earn your Ohio teaching license, you’ll follow the state’s process for out-of-state licensure.

Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW program:

  • Fully accredited  
  • 100% online  
  • Global cohort model  
  • Rolling admissions  
  • Monthly start dates 
  • 9 months total 
  • Clinical learning (student teaching) included 
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Moreland University’s Guide to Teacher Certification in Ohio provides a streamlined overview of what it takes to become a licensed teacher in the Buckeye State.

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Moreland University’s Guide to Teacher Certification in Ohio provides a streamlined overview of what it takes to become a certified teacher in the Buckeye State.

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FAQs

You have questions about becoming a licensed teacher in Ohio. We have answers. 

How do I become an Ohio teacher?

To become a teacher in Ohio, you need to earn a bachelor’s degree, complete an EPP, pass the required licensure exams, and clear fingerprint and background checks.

Ohio offers multiple pathways to licensure for teachers with different backgrounds and career histories. For more information, visit the Ohio Department of Education website.

How can out-of-state teachers earn a teaching license in Ohio?

Ohio has a specific process for out-of-state licensure, for those already teaching in another state or who completed an out-of-state EPP. In general, the steps for out-of-state teachers include:

  • Complete your bachelor’s degree.
  • Complete an EPP from an accredited college or university. (For example, Moreland University is accredited through the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, among others.)
  • Submit a letter of eligibility from your EPP (or, if already teaching, a copy of your out-of-state license).
  • Pass the required licensure exams.
  • Complete fingerprint and background checks.
  • Gather all your documents, including official transcripts and exam score reports, and apply for your license.

It’s important to note this is just one example of a potential path to licensure in Ohio. For more information, visit the state’s Out-of-State Licensure page.

Do I need a license to teach in Ohio?

Yes, you need a valid Ohio teaching license to teach in public schools. Ohio offers a four-tiered license structure: Resident Educator, Professional Teacher, Senior Professional Educator, and Lead Professional Educator.

What are the requirements for Ohio teacher licensure?

Requirements vary by license type, but in general, Buckeye State teachers need a bachelor’s degree, EPP completion, passing scores on the required licensure exams, and a clear background check.

For more detailed information, visit Ohio’s Educator Licensure page.

How do I maintain my Ohio teaching license?

Ohio teachers are required to complete ongoing professional development to maintain their licenses. There are also specific requirements (such as completing the Ohio Resident Educator Program) to advance from one license type to the next.

For more detailed information, visit the state department of education website.

How long does it take to become a licensed teacher in Ohio?

The timeline depends on your pathway. A traditional undergraduate degree in education typically takes 4 years. If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you could earn your license in as little as 9 months through Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program. Because TEACH-NOW is an out-of-state program in Ohio, you would follow the out-of-state licensure process.

How much do Ohio teachers make?

The average teacher salary in Ohio is $68,236, according to the National Education Association. That’s No.22 in the nation and is $6,500 a year more than Ohio’s minimum living wage, $61,682, per the NEA.

The average starting teacher salary in Ohio is $40,982.

It’s important to note these are averages, and specific salaries will vary significantly by region, district, job title, experience level, and more.

How can I learn more about becoming a licensed teacher in Ohio?

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is your best resource for information about teacher licensure, requirements, and pathways to teaching in the Buckeye State.

You can also reach out to Moreland University at admissions@moreland.edu or 844-283-2246. We’d be happy to answer your questions about teacher licensure or our 9-month, 100% online EPP.