Now is the time to become an Ohio teacher. In five easy steps, you can transition into a new career. Teaching is a unique profession because it allows you to change the lives of others. If you already have a Bachelor’s degree, combining an approved Educator Preparation Program with required state certification tests will qualify you for an Ohio State Licensure.
This is not a journey to take alone. Organize your steps and find partners along the way. Use the links in this guide; reach out to the suggested resources and organizations. There are many opportunities for teaching.
Becoming a Teacher in Ohio
1. Obtain a Teaching Degree
To become a teacher in Ohio, you must hold a bachelor’s degree and complete a state-approved teacher preparation program. If you major in education, your university will guide you through the steps to becoming a certified teacher in Ohio. If you have a bachelor’s degree outside of education and did not complete a teacher preparation program, you can earn a teaching license through various Alternative License Options.
2. Complete a Teacher Preparation Program
Candidates must complete a state-approved teacher preparation program. In Ohio, approved preparation programs can be found here. It is important to stay up to date with any changes and current requirements on the Ohio Department of Education website.
3. Take the Required Testing
Test registration takes place on the Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) website, Praxis website, and ACTFL/LTI website. All candidates applying for an Ohio Teaching License must take:
- OAE Pedagogy Assessment(s)
- OAE Content Assessment(s)
- OAE Foundations of Reading Assessment (if applicable)
- Praxis Subject Assessment(s) (if applicable)
- ACTFL/LTI Assessment(s) (if applicable)
4. Apply for Certification
You must have an OH|ID account before beginning the application process. The application process also involves submitting a background check. Once you have completed all requirements for an Ohio teaching license, you will need to submit your application. You can use the Applicant User Manual to make sure you have everything you need to submit an application for licensure.
5. Apply to a Teaching Position
Once you have received your teaching license, you can begin to apply for a teaching position. You can research specific districts by using their website to view job listings, or you can search for jobs in the entire state of Ohio by using the Ohio Department of Education website. In order to have a successful job search, you will want to write a resume and cover letter tailored to the position you are seeking. Also, think of at least two professors, colleagues, or supervisors who can serve as references for you during your job search.
How to Become a Teacher at Various Grade Levels
Here are the lists of required OAE exams by grade level.
- Elementary School (P-3 and Primary P-5):
- 001 Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Early Childhood (P-3)
- 057 Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Primary Education (PK–5) (pending approval in 2023)
- 190 Foundations of Reading
- 012 Early Childhood Education (P-3)
- 013 Early Childhood Special Education
- 018 Elementary Education: Subtest I (P-5)
- 019 Elementary Education: Subtest II (P-5)
- Middle Childhood (4-9):
- 002 Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Middle Childhood (4-9)
- 190 Foundations of Reading
- 028 Middle Grades English Language Arts
- 029 Middle Grades Science
- 030 Middle Grades Mathematics
- 031 Middle Grades Social Studies
- 043 Special Education
- Adolescence to Young Adult (7-12):
- 003 Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Adolescence to Young Adult (7-12)
- 020 English Language Arts
- 024 Integrated Science
- 025 Integrated Social Studies
- 027 Mathematics
- 009 Chemistry
- 035 Physics
- 007 Biology
- 014 Earth and Space Science
- 043 Special Education
- Multi-Age P-12
- 004 Assessment of Professional Knowledge Multi-Age (P-12)
- 190 Foundations of Reading
- 054 Computer Science
- 011 Dance
- 048 Theater
- 050 American Sign Language- Subtest I
- 051 American Sign Language- Subtest II
- 023 Health
- 041 School Library Media Specialist
- 032 Music
- 034 Physical Education
- 021 English Speakers of Other Languages
- 006 Art
- 053 Gifted Education
- 043 Special Education
- 044 Special Education Specialist: Deaf/Hard of Hearing
- 045 Special Education Specialist: Visually Impaired
- Career-Technical Baccalaureate (4-12)
- 005 Agriscience
- 022 Family and Consumer Sciences
- 026 Marketing
- 008 Business Education
- 046 Technology Education- Subtest I
- 047 Technology Education- Subtest II
- 054 Computer Science
- 016 Computer/Technology- Subtest I
- 017 Computer/Technology- Subtest II
- 048 Theater
- 028 Middle Grades English Language Arts (4-6)
- 029 Middle Grades Science (4-6)
- 030 Middle Grades Mathematics (4-6)
- 031 Middle Grades Social Studies (4-6)
- 036 Prekindergarten- Subtest I (ages 3-5)
- 037 Prekindergarten- Subtest II (ages 3-5)
- 038 Reading- Subtest I (P-12)
- 039 Reading- Subtest II (P-12)
- 015 Educational Leadership
- Professional Pupil Services
- 040 School Counselor
- 042 School Psychologist
Here is the list of required ACTFL/LTI exams by grade level.
- Multi-Age P-12
- French, German, Spanish, and Other Languages
- Oral Proficiency Interview or Oral Proficiency computer
- Writing Proficiency Test or Interactive Writing Proficiency Test
Here is the list of required Praxis exams by grade level.
- Professional Pupil Services
- Praxis II 5343 Audiology
- Praxis II 5402 School Psychologist
- Praxis II 5331 School
Renewing Your Teaching Certification
Once you obtain your Ohio Professional Teaching Certificate, you will need to renew it every five years. To renew, educators must complete the required continuing education hours and complete a renewal application before October 1st of the last year of the validity of the certificate. Complete steps on how to renew various types of teaching licenses are on the Ohio Department of Education website.
Teaching Job Outlook and Salary in Ohio
The state of Ohio had more than 1.6 million students enrolled in its 611 school districts during the 2021-2022 school year. According to the Ohio Department of Education, Ohio issued more than 21,000 new educator licenses for the 2021-2022 school year. Each district’s pay scales vary, so be sure to research district pay scales before filling out your job applications. These pay scales will be on each district’s website.
Ohio Districts With the Highest Salaries
According to salary.com, school districts in Cuyahoga County offered the top pay for Ohio teachers in 2023. You can research each district’s website here to find more information on their salary scale.
Independence Local Schools($55,610)
Bedford City School District ($55,588)
Brecksville-Broadview Heights City School District ($55,565)
Can You Be a Teacher Without a Degree in Ohio?
The short answer is no. A bachelor’s degree and completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program are required to be a fully-certified classroom teacher in Ohio. However, you can become an educational aide by holding a high school diploma and meeting all of the other required qualifications. An educational aide provides additional help and instruction to students. There is also another option of applying to be a student monitor that does not involve the instructional tasks of an educational aide.
Frequently Asked Questions about Teaching in Ohio
Which teaching positions are in-demand?
The US Department of Education publishes a list of Ohio teacher shortage areas each year. High-demand teacher needs can be accessed on the US Department of Education website. English as a Second Language Pre-K-12, Dance Pre-K-12, Engineering Technology Pre-K-12, and Special Education Pre-K-12 teachers were on the state-wide list for the greatest need for the 2022-2023 school year.
What is the average salary for teachers in Ohio?
According to salary.com, in 2023, the average salary for a teacher in Ohio made $55,005. However, most teachers typically fall between an average salary of $45,000 and $67,000. Depending on the criteria for averaging districts, the numbers will differ. In general, teachers in rural areas make less, and teachers in urban or suburban areas make more.
How long does it take to become a teacher in Ohio?
Once you complete your bachelor’s degree, which takes approximately four years, you will then need to complete a state-approved educator preparation program. When you finish your teacher preparation program, you will then take your initial Ohio licensure examinations and complete an application for teacher licensure. Then, in less than five years, you will be ready to teach in Ohio!
How much does it cost to become a teacher in Ohio?
Becoming a teacher in Ohio requires a financial commitment. The main initial cost of obtaining a bachelor’s degree will vary widely from person to person. If you are majoring in education, or know you are going directly into the field upon graduation, look into grant and loan programs.
In addition to the bachelor’s degree, other costs associated with becoming an Ohio teacher include the required teacher preparation program, state certification tests (about $109 per exam), and any other state application or background check fees. Plan ahead for the financial costs, and your teaching career will be off to a great start.
What other certifications can teachers in Ohio obtain?
The short answer is…many! After you receive your initial certification, you can take additional certification tests and become certified in other teaching areas. Endorsements may be added by taking the required exam(s) and paying a $20 fee for each additional teaching area. You can find a list of all Ohio Licensure Assessment Requirements on the Ohio Department of Education website. Some endorsements require a master’s degree. You can find more information on the requirements needed for those endorsements here.
Closing:
Are you ready to become an Ohio-certified teacher? 240 can help! 240Tutoring.com offers FREE Ohio exam resources to help you master your certification tests. When you subscribe to 240 Tutoring, you will gain access to every 240 OAE Study Guide for Ohio for one monthly price. With the 240 Tutoring Pass Guarantee, it is no wonder so many are choosing 240 to pass their OAE exams. We wish you the best on your journey to becoming an Ohio-certified teacher!
Interested in becoming a teacher in a different state? Check out these additional articles:
How to Become a Teacher in Texas
How To Become a Teacher in North Carolina
How To Become a Teacher in Florida
How to Become a Teacher in Illinois
How to Become a Teacher in Tennessee
How to Become a Teacher in Virginia
How to Become a Teacher in Wisconsin
How to Become a Teacher in Colorado
How to Become a Teacher in Arkansas
FAQs
How to Become a Teacher in Ohio? ›
Earn your bachelor's degree from an accredited institution college or university. Pass a content area exam(s) and a professional knowledge exam. Pass a criminal background check. Apply for initial licensure, called a four-year resident educator license, through the Ohio Department of Education.
How long do you have to go to school to be a teacher in Ohio? ›For the professional educator license, it takes approximately eight years total. That includes four years of education and four years of professional experience. Additional teaching certification in Ohio is available, such as an out-of-state license, alternative resident educator license, and associate license.
How do I become a teacher without a teaching degree in Ohio? ›Candidates who have not completed a traditional teacher preparation program through an accredited college or university but have a bachelor's degree with a GPA of 2.5 or higher OR a master's degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, may be eligible for Ohio's Alternative pathway to licensure.
Can you be a teacher in Ohio without a degree? ›Answer: To be a high school teacher in Ohio, you must have a bachelor's degree with a major in a teachable subject and complete an approved teacher preparation program, which includes participation in student teaching. You must also pass the state examinations for licensing.
How long does it take to get an Ohio teaching certificate? ›After completion of a four-year Resident Educator Program, you are eligible to apply for a five-year Professional teaching license. Besides a bachelor's degree, you also most complete an educator preparation program approved by the Chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents.
Do you get paid for student teaching in Ohio? ›The salary range for a student teacher in Columbus, OH is from $39,000 to $72,000 per year, or $19 to $35 per hour.
How much do public school teachers make in Ohio? ›How much does a Public School Teacher make in Ohio? As of May 22, 2023, the average annual pay for a Public School Teacher in Ohio is $36,053 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $17.33 an hour. This is the equivalent of $693/week or $3,004/month.
How do I become a kindergarten teacher in Ohio? ›- Hold a currently valid, standard Ohio teaching certificate or license;
- Successfully complete the content assessment for the licensure area; AND.
- Be employed in a teaching position requiring the supplemental licensure area in an Ohio school or district.
OHIO only supports the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree related to Child Development or Early Childhood Education. This degree must lead to Pre-K licensure. The Ohio Pre-K teaching license is for teaching children age 0 to 5. This is NOT the age 3 to grade 3 teaching license.
What is the easiest teacher to become? ›- Math. Math is a subject that is mainly conceptual. ...
- Physical Education. If you're like most people, you probably dreaded having to go to gym class when you were in school. ...
- Art. ...
- Music. ...
- Science. ...
- Health. ...
- Spelling. ...
- History.
What skills does a teacher require? ›
Some qualities of a good teacher include skills in communication, listening, collaboration, adaptability, empathy and patience. Other characteristics of effective teaching include an engaging classroom presence, value in real-world learning, exchange of best practices and a lifelong love of learning.
Is a Masters in Education the same as a Masters in teaching? ›The primary distinction is that the master's in teaching focuses more directly on teaching and classroom management. In contrast, the master's in education is a broader degree, applicable to a classroom career but also to jobs in administration, curriculum development, and education policy.
What is required to get a teaching certificate in Ohio? ›Earn your bachelor's degree from an accredited institution college or university. Pass a content area exam(s) and a professional knowledge exam. Pass a criminal background check. Apply for initial licensure, called a four-year resident educator license, through the Ohio Department of Education.
How long does it take to become a kindergarten teacher in Ohio? ›| Education/Experience Required | Bachelor's degree or higher Completion of state-approved teacher preparation program in early childhood education |
|---|---|
| Credits Required for Renewal | Minimum of 6 semester coursework hours OR 18 CEUs OR another approved activity |
With Prekindergarten 180108 A bachelor's degree in child development or early childhood education from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 30 quarter or 20 semester hours in child development/preschool program planning and methods, including a supervised practicum with preschool children.
What is the average 1st year teacher salary in Ohio? ›How much does an Entry Level Teacher make in Ohio? The average Entry Level Teacher salary in Ohio is $41,807 as of May 01, 2023, but the range typically falls between $34,913 and $50,985.
Do teachers make good money in Ohio? ›As of May 24, 2023, the average annual pay for a Teacher in Ohio is $27,321 a year.
How much money does a teacher make a year in Ohio? ›How much does a Public School Teacher make in Ohio? The average Public School Teacher salary in Ohio is $55,397 as of May 01, 2023, but the range typically falls between $46,262 and $67,559.
What degree do most elementary teachers need? ›Elementary Teacher Degree Requirements
All states require elementary school teachers to have at least a bachelor's degree. Most teachers major in elementary education, while some states require them to also specialize in a content area, like social studies or history.
In order to be licensed to teach in Ohio, you must complete a bachelor's degree program followed by an approved teacher preparation program, including both a practicum (on-site observation of teaching methods) and a teaching internship (typically lasting from 10-12 weeks).
How much does elementary school teachers make in Ohio? ›
How much does an Elementary Teacher make in Ohio? As of May 12, 2023, the average annual pay for an Elementary Teacher in Ohio is $34,442 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $16.56 an hour. This is the equivalent of $662/week or $2,870/month.
Where do teachers get paid the most in Ohio? ›- Cincinnati, OH. $63,065 per year. 78 salaries reported.
- Mansfield, OH. $51,451 per year. 8 salaries reported.
- Toledo, OH. $51,189 per year. 83 salaries reported.
- Cleveland, OH. $50,608 per year. 121 salaries reported.
- Columbus, OH. $50,514 per year. ...
- Show more nearby cities.
| Years of experience | Per hour |
|---|---|
| 1 to 2 years | $14.66 |
| 3 to 5 years | - |
| 6 to 9 years | $17.10 |
| More than 10 years | $19.64 |
| Ohio School District Teacher Salary Chart 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|
| School Districts | Bachelors | Masters |
| Columbus City | $51,313 | $52,593 |
| Olentangy | $44,835 | $50,641 |
| Cleveland | $42,699 | $46,753 |
The Requirements for Preschool Teacher Certification in Ohio. In order to become a certified preschool teacher, the interested candidate must first qualify for a resident educator teaching license and then apply for a supplemental teaching license in the area of early childhood education.
What is the difference between a bachelor's degree and an associate's degree? ›The most basic difference between a bachelor's degree and an associate degree is the time it takes to complete the programs. Associate degrees are typically 2-year programs, while bachelor's degree programs are typically 4 years and delve more deeply into the area of study.
What states accept Ohio teaching license? ›| Alabama | Indiana | South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | Kentucky | Texas |
| California | Louisiana | Utah |
| Colorado | Maine | Vermont |
| Connecticut | Maryland | Virginia |
Becoming a certified teacher usually takes between four to five years. But, if you already hold a bachelor's degree, you could enroll in an accelerated teacher certification program, become licensed in as little as one year (some programs are longer), and start teaching as quickly as possible.
Is 34 too old to become a teacher? ›The short answer is: no, it's never too late to become a teacher. But you probably want a little more reassurance than that. Here are a few reasons why it's totally okay to start your teaching career late in life.
Is 24 too late to become a teacher? ›Wherever you are in your journey to becoming a teacher, don't let your age be a factor. Students and schools need all kinds of teachers. Your experience will most likely be an asset: part of what makes your teaching and your classroom uniquely valuable to your school community. In short, it's never too late to teach!
What is your weakness as a teacher? ›
Perfectionism
But being afraid to make a mistake makes us prime targets for burnout and overwhelm while also leading us to become fearful of trying new things. This is the cliche answer that tops the list of common weaknesses of teachers.
- Patience and Compassion. It's fair to say that most teachers will have their patience tested more than once during their careers! ...
- Energy and Enthusiasm. ...
- Excellent communication skills. ...
- Excellent subject knowledge and willingness to learn. ...
- Organisation and discipline.
| Pros of Teaching | Cons of Teaching |
|---|---|
| Summer vacations and holidays | Salary |
| Connecting with other teachers and staff | Lack of support from administration |
| Always learning and continuing to grow | Continuous professional development requirements |
The education field has many exciting career opportunities, from teaching to counseling to administration. While not all jobs in education require a master's to begin a career, having a master's in education can potentially provide a larger salary and potential advancement in your career.
Is a master's degree enough to teach? ›Uniquely, California regulations require five years of higher education to become a teacher. You can meet this requirement either by: Traditional Path — Earning your bachelor's and master's degrees. Nontraditional Path — Participating in a blended credentialing program that has been approved by the state.
Does having a Masters mean you can teach? ›Higher Education
A Master's in Higher Education will allow you to teach in a college's education department, either on campus or online (some universities also require a doctorate in order to become a professor).
- Complete a Bachelor's Degree and Complete a PE Teacher Prep Program. ...
- Take the Physical Education Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Exam. ...
- Apply for Your Ohio PE Teacher's License. ...
- Meet the Requirements to Renew Your Ohio PE Teacher's License.
Is all-day kindergarten required in Ohio? No. Children must attend only half-day kindergarten (2.5 hours per day). Some school districts do offer all-day kindergarten, but if a family requests only half-day kindergarten for a child, the district must accommodate the family's request.
How long are kindergarten lessons? ›EC sections 46110-46119 detail the minimum and maximum lengths of the school day for kindergarten and other elementary grade classrooms. The maximum number of minutes for kindergarten is four hours, (EC Section 46111), excluding recess.
How old are most preschool teachers? ›There are over 2,176,693 preschool teachers currently employed in the United States. 93.6% of all preschool teachers are women, while 6.4% are men. The average age of an employed preschool teacher is 39 years old.
How much do pre K teachers make in Ohio? ›
| Years of experience | Per hour |
|---|---|
| 1 to 2 years | $13.75 |
| 3 to 5 years | - |
| 6 to 9 years | $14.71 |
| More than 10 years | $16.37 |
The average Preschool Teacher salary in Ohio is $37,190 as of May 01, 2023, but the range typically falls between $33,580 and $42,510.
How long does it take to become a teacher in the States? ›Prospective teachers must earn, at minimum, a bachelor's degree in order to be eligible for certification. Traditional bachelor's degrees take four years to complete, meaning that at the very least, it takes four years of schooling to become a teacher.
Is it good to be a teacher in Ohio? ›Ohio ranks 22nd as best state for teachers to work, according to analysis. Ohio ranks 22nd overall in the nation as the best state for teachers to work in, according to a scholarship website. Ohio was 12th for salary and compensation, according to Scholaroo, a website that connects students with scholarships.
What states pay starting teachers the most? ›- New York. Average salary: $80,286.
- Illinois. Average salary: $70,696.
- Michigan. Average salary: $70,137.
- Pennsylvania. Average salary: $69,949.
- Washington. Average salary: $69,005.
Levels of Teaching: Memory level, Understanding level & Reflective level. Teaching is termed as one of the most rewarding professions. The profession of teaching and imparting knowledge to students might look easy but it's quite a tough profession.
What teachers are in demand in Ohio? ›Though Ohio may not see the large increase in overall demand for teachers that high-population-growth states like Florida and Arizona will experience, the Buckeye State does anticipate an increased demand for teachers in math, science, foreign languages, and special education just as experienced teachers are retiring ...
How much is a teachers salary in Ohio? ›| Years of experience | Per hour |
|---|---|
| 1 to 2 years | $14.67 |
| 3 to 5 years | - |
| 6 to 9 years | $17.11 |
| More than 10 years | $19.65 |