How to Become a Teacher in Ohio

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