Resident Educator Licenses

The Department issues Two-Year Resident Educator licenses under Ohio law1 to beginning teachers who have completed an approved, traditional teacher preparation program through an accredited college or university. The Department also issues Four-Year Alternative Resident educator licenses under Ohio law2 to candidates who are completing the Ohio alternative pathway. Educators teaching under a standard or alternative resident educator license will complete Ohio’s Resident Educator Program to advance to the professional teaching license.

Please note that because of recent legislation, the Resident Educator Program transitioned from a four-year to a two-year program April 12, 2023. See the Resident Educator Licensure FAQ for information regarding licensure changes.

Individuals still exploring a teaching career in Ohio may see the Department’s Human Capital Resource Center website for information to get started on their pathway.

TRADITIONAL OHIO LICENSURE PROGRAMS

Licensure candidates who completed an Ohio Department of Higher Education approved educator preparation program leading to Ohio licensure through an accredited college or university should contact their academic advisor before completing the online application for the license. Candidates must meet all current requirements for licensure before submitting their online application to receive the university’s electronic approval. Candidates will indicate which university they completed their program through in the online licensure application. The submitted application will go to the university for approval before coming to the Department for review.

OHIO ALTERNATIVE PATHWAY

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 Resident Educator licensure pathway to becoming a teacher. 

OUT-OF-STATE APPLICANTS

Candidates who completed a traditional teacher preparation program through an accredited college or university outside of Ohio may view the Out-of-State Licensure webpage for information and application instructions.

TRANSITION 2-YEAR PROVISIONAL LICENSES

Candidates who need to transition their previously issued Ohio two-year provisional license to complete the Ohio Resident Educator Program may view the How to Transition or Advance a Two-Year Provisional License webpage for information.

BACKGROUND CHECKS

Background checks are required for all new licensure applicants. Candidates may review important information on the Background Check FAQs webpage.

OHID ACCOUNT

Applicants who have not already set up their OHID account must do so before submitting their online application for licensure. Please see the OHID Portal Help webpage and the CORE User Manual for information.

1OAC 3301-24-18
2ORC 3319.26
 

Last Modified: 4/17/2023 11:03:50 AM