Do you dream of a career that’s both challenging and rewarding? You’ll want to consider becoming a teacher in Ohio. It’s a chance to inspire and shape future leaders, making a lasting difference in the lives of your students.
Ohio welcomes all passionate educators. To qualify, you’ll need a teaching license and a bachelor’s degree in an approved program. The demand for qualified teachers is high, with over 50,000 unfilled positions nationwide and a strong need in Ohio itself.
This guide will walk you through the steps to obtaining your teaching license and launching your teaching career in Ohio.
Reasons to Become a Teacher in Ohio
Ohio has been facing a teacher shortage since the COVID-19 period. The state’s Department of Education has rolled out initiatives using federal funds to get more qualified teachers into classrooms and keep the learning going.
Such initiatives include state-funded tutoring programs, no-cost resources for schools, and grants to boost educator licensure programs.
Why teach in Ohio? Well, there are a lot of benefits:
- Stable employment: Teachers are always in demand. Even if you’re starting your career, Ohio employs about 10,000 teachers so you’re guaranteed stable employment.
- Long vacations: Teachers across the country enjoy summer breaks– time you can use to recharge or pursue other passions.
- Impact: You’re not just confined to classroom instruction; teachers touch lives and shape the future of generations.
- Financial perks: As an Ohio teacher, you’ll earn a competitive salary and a benefits package with health insurance and a retirement plan. For instance, a House bill was recently introduced that will raise the starting pay of teachers to $50,000. A considerable increase from the current pay.
What Does a Teacher Do In Ohio?
In Ohio, you’ll be responsible for educating students by creating lesson plans, instructing students, and assessing their work. Here are various activities you’ll do as a teacher in Ohio:
- Planning and preparing lessons: You’ll act as a curriculum architect. You translate state standards into engaging lesson plans that cater to different learning styles and abilities. This may involve research creativity and a good understanding of the subject matter.
- Encouraging student participation: Ohio teachers create dynamic learning environments where students actively participate through discussions, group projects, presentations, and hands-on activities. You will encourage critical thinking and problem-solving in a safe learning space.
- Researching and developing new teaching materials: Beyond textbooks, you can leverage a variety of resources to make learning come alive. This might involve creating simulations, developing interactive worksheets, incorporating historical documents, or even using virtual reality tools.
- Marking student work and recording performance: Teachers mark student work and provide specific feedback that helps students understand their strengths and weaknesses. You may also track student performance data and adjust your teaching methods accordingly.
- Setting assessments and overseeing examinations: Assessments are crucial tools for measuring student progress and identifying areas where they need additional support. Ohio teachers create a variety of assessments, including quizzes, essays, presentations, and performance-based tasks.
- Providing learners with one-to-one support: A strong student-teacher relationship is key to student success. You’ll take time to build rapport with your students, creating a safe space where students feel comfortable seeking help and asking questions.
Steps to Become a Teacher In Ohio
Every state in the U.S. has its own set of rules for becoming a teacher. You need a valid teaching license to teach in the state’s pre-K-12 classrooms In Ohio.
To qualify for traditional licensure, you’ll need to follow these steps:
1. Enroll in an approved teacher preparation program.
Teacher preparation programs provide the coursework and clinical experiences needed to become a teacher. Completing an approved program equips you with the pedagogical skills and knowledge to effectively instruct students and meet curriculum standards.
To get started with a teacher preparation program in Ohio, research and choose an accredited program that aligns with your desired grade level and subject area. Look for programs approved by the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODE).
You should also consider factors like program format (in-person, online), cost, and student teaching placements.
Teacher preparation programs typically take 1-2 years to complete. They are essential for gaining classroom management expertise, developing lesson plans, and understanding different teaching methods.
2. Earn a bachelor’s degree.
To earn a resident educator license, you need a bachelor’s degree in education from an approved college or university.
A bachelor’s degree typically takes four years to complete and provides deep subject knowledge, preparing you to teach the content to your students effectively.
To become a teacher in Ohio, choose a major that aligns with your desired teaching subject or grade level. For example, a major in elementary, middle, or high school, and your desired subject area (math, science, English, etc.).
3. Pass all teacher exams.
To become a teacher in Ohio, you must pass the Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) exam series. These exams cover pedagogical knowledge assessment, content knowledge assessment, different subjects, and teaching skills to ensure you’re ready for the classroom.
You must also pass the resident educator summative assessment. For foreign languages and audiology or speech pathology, you’ll need to pass the writing and oral language proficiency tests and Praxis tests respectively.
To begin, identify the specific OAE tests required for your chosen grade level and subject. Register for the exams online and utilize practice tests and video guides to prepare effectively. Passing these exams demonstrates your qualifications to teach in Ohio classrooms.
4. Pass a background check.
All aspiring teachers in Ohio must pass a background check from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and FBI. Background checks typically involve fingerprint scans and a review of criminal history.
You’ll need to get these done at an approved location, and they must be no older than one year when you apply for your license.
5. Apply for your four-year resident educator license
Once you’ve completed all requirements, apply for your initial teaching license through the Ohio Department of Education (ODE). In Ohio, this is a four-year Resident Educator License. Submit your transcripts, test scores, and background check results along with the application. This license allows you to begin teaching under the guidance of a mentor who will provide support and feedback during your first years in the classroom.
When applying for teaching certification in Ohio, you will fill out your personal information and upload your official transcripts and exam score reports.
Here’s the expected certification processing fee:
- The resident educator license fee is $160.
- The professional educator license fee is $200.
The application processing time may take 5-7 business days.
6. Apply for Teaching Jobs
Now, you are ready for your final step in starting your journey as an educator. You want to find a teaching job that aligns with your career needs and preferences.
Here’s how to get started:
- Find school districts that are hiring: Use online job boards and websites dedicated to education careers. Check out the career pages of school district websites for the most up-to-date listings. Connect with other educators and attend job fairs to learn about openings and get your foot in the door.
- Create a strong resume: Your resume is your first impression, so make it count. Use a clean layout, proofread for errors, and let your passion for teaching shine through. Highlight your strengths, quantify your achievements, and customize your resume for each application to align with the school’s values and the specifics of the job posting.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Teacher In Ohio?
The professional educator license takes approximately four years. This path also includes four years of getting a bachelor’s degree and about two years of getting a teacher preparation license.
Here’s the traditional path to teaching licensure in Ohio:
- Bachelor’s degree- This includes education coursework alongside your subject matter studies and typically takes four years.
- Teacher preparation program- Many bachelor’s programs incorporate teacher preparation coursework. Alternatively, you can complete a standalone post-baccalaureate that takes 1- 2 years.
- Licensure exams and application- Once you’ve completed your teacher preparation program, you’ll need to pass the Ohio licensing exams for your desired grade level and subject area, which will take a few months.
Ohio offers alternative teacher certification programs for individuals with relevant experience but lacking a traditional education degree. The alternative route takes less than two years.
You can also get an out-of-state license if you’re already a teacher in another state. Associate licenses are also given to experts in a specific subject area who want to teach part-time or in a limited capacity.
Salaries for Teachers In Ohio
The average salary for public school teachers in Ohio is $56,818 but can range from $47,442 to $69,306.
Salaries can vary depending on the city you’re in, your education level, any additional certifications, other skills, and the number of years you’ve been teaching. For instance, teachers with a master’s degree or those working in suburban districts can expect to earn more than those with a bachelor’s degree or working in rural areas.
Job Outlook for Teachers In Ohio
There’s a huge demand for teachers in Ohio. Salary.com reports a decline in the number of teachers in areas like languages, sciences, math, and special education leading to a shortage that could affect the quality of education.
To combat the demand, Ohio lawmakers have introduced a bill to increase the base pay for new teachers by up to $12,000.
There are great opportunities for new teachers to impact the state’s education system due to efforts made to recruit more teachers, especially in districts with high enrollment like Akron, Canton, Cincinnati, and Columbus.
Become a Teacher In Ohio
If you’re passionate about education and making a positive impact on future generations, becoming a teacher in Ohio may be the perfect path for you.
With the current teacher shortage, the outlook for educators in the state is promising. If you already have a degree in another field, you can explore our alternative certification options, which will take you a shorter time.
At Teachers of Tomorrow, we offer you a personalized learning path and support to help you become a great teacher. Begin your teaching journey today and become part of shaping the future of education in Ohio.
