Current Educators
How Convictions Affect Licensure
The Office of Professional Conduct investigates allegations involving criminal convictions or conduct unbecoming the teaching profession and, if warranted, pursues disciplinary or remedial action against an educator’s credentials or application for credentials. The State Board of Education receives notification of new criminal convictions through the RAPBACK Service. It is important to note that any consequences of a criminal conviction are separate from any disciplinary action that may be taken by the State Board of Education.
The following is meant to be informative. This is not legal advice. If you need legal advice, consult an attorney.
General Questions
General Questions
What happens if a licensed educator is convicted of a criminal offense that is not an absolute bar?
If a licensed educator is convicted of or pleads guilty to any criminal offense, the State Board of Education can pursue a disciplinary action against the educator’s license pursuant to Ohio Revised Code §3319.31. In addition, the employing district can pursue disciplinary action regarding the educator’s employment. Specific disciplinary action depends on the underlying facts and circumstances of the conviction, whether students or children were involved, etc. Please refer to the
Licensure Code of Professional Conduct for more specific information.
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Will a criminal conviction cause a licensed educator to lose his or her license?
Some criminal convictions could cause an educator to lose his or her license. Ohio Revised Code 3319.31 lists “absolute bar” offenses. If an educator is convicted of one of these offenses, the license will be revoked, and the educator will be unable to apply for a license through the State Board of Education in the future.
Absolute Bar Offenses
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If you are a first-time applicant for a license with the Department, please see the first-time applicants section.
Last Modified: 11/6/2023 7:25:31 AM