Ohio Department of Education Educators

Welcome to the Intensive Pedagogical Training Institute (IPTI) Web page! IPTI is a gateway to securing an alternative resident educator license to teach in Ohio. This newly designed program, which is self-paced and can be accommodated on your schedule, will provide instruction in the principles and practices of teaching for individuals seeking an alternative resident educator license. IPTI provides a foundation for teacher candidates to acquire critical knowledge in the areas of Teaching as a Profession, Student Development and Learning, and Essentials of Teaching Practice. Developed collaboratively with the Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Board of Regents, the program will help equip alternative licensure candidates with the knowledge and skills needed to ensure success in the classroom. The alternative licensure pathway: Helps to expand the pool of high-quality teachers. Makes it easier for Ohio schools to hire and retain nontraditional candidates who wish to transition to careers as classroom teachers. Helps school districts to address staffing needs in teacher shortage areas. By design, the alternative resident educator license is an accelerated pathway to classroom teaching, allowing students, schools and communities to benefit from the candidates’ content-related expertise, life experience and successful career experience.   WHO  are alternatively prepared educators? Candidates for the alternative resident educator license may come from a variety of professional backgrounds, such as computer science, business administration and management, military training, engineering, physical and life sciences, English, visual art, music, dance, and drama/theater. Individuals from many different backgrounds and career fields may decide to seek alternative licensure in order to share their content knowledge and life experience to benefit students.  WHY  do we need alternatively prepared educators? Ohio students can benefit from the rich knowledge base and successful career and life experiences of content experts in a variety of teaching fields. As Ohio focuses on assuring a high-quality teacher in every classroom, it is important that a wide range of professionals are invited to bring their talents and expertise into our schools.  WHAT  kind of teacher can I become? Alternative licenses are available in the following areas: Designated subjects grades K-12 World languages grades P-12 Intervention specialist grades K-12 Career-Technical Workforce Development  HOW  do I get started? For designated subjects grades K-12, world languages grades P-12, and intervention specialist grades K-12: Step 1: Complete an evaluation request application and mail it with official transcripts to determine if coursework requirements have been met. (Details are on the application.) Step 2: Pass the content area examination for the licensure area you are seeking. Praxis II for intervention specialist or grades K-12 designated subjects is required.  For world languages, the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) and Writing Proficiency Test (WPT) are required. The scores must be electronically reported to Ohio Department of Education. Step 3: Complete required FBI and BCI background checks and have electronic results sent to the Ohio Department of Education. Step 4: Register for the IPTI after completion of any necessary coursework, testing and background checks. For career-technical workforce development only: Those wishing to teach in a career-technical workforce development area should contact an Ohio school district or career center that has a workforce development program in an area in which they are interested in teaching.   Once you have been admitted to the IPTI, sign in here.   Review IPTI Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). Review IPTI Syllabus.   We look forward to your future contributions to ensuring higher achievement for all Ohio students!   Contact Information Office of Educator Licensure IPTI@ode.state.oh.us    (614) 466-3593