Exemption available for required introductory science of reading professional development

3/24/2026

Certain school professionals eligible for exemption from Introduction to Science of Reading course

Effective immediately, teachers and administrators hired after July 1, 2025, are not required to complete the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s introduction to the science of reading professional development course if the individual completed appropriate coursework in the science of reading as part of an educator or licensure preparation program within five years prior to the date of hire.  

Teachers or administrators qualifying for this exemption are still required to complete the Department’s refresher course in the science of reading within five years of their hire date and every five years thereafter. 

Superintendents and head administrators of other public schools are responsible for verifying whether an individual has completed appropriate coursework to qualify for the exemption. Superintendents and head administrators of other public schools are also responsible for determining if the individual’s coursework is appropriate coursework in the science of reading. The Department has updated its science of reading professional development guidance document to assist superintendents and head administrators with determining whether coursework is appropriate.

This exemption does not apply to speech-language pathologists and school psychologists. 

See the Department’s science of reading professional development webpage for more information about these requirements. Direct questions to ReadOhio@education.ohio.gov.