How To Become a Teacher Online in Ohio

Teachers play an important role in preparing young learners for adulthood. Whether working in early childhood education or teaching in a high school, educators help students develop academically and socially for life after graduation.

Becoming an educator for k-12 students in Ohio requires several steps, one of which is to earn a bachelor's degree for a specific subject area or grade level. If you're too busy to take on-campus courses, you can become a teacher by enrolling in an online bachelor's degree program. Other educator licensure requirements include completing a teacher preparation program and passing a background check.

Below, we'll explore how to become a teacher online in Ohio. We'll also look at ways to become a teacher online for free and explore the landscape of online teaching in Ohio.

Steps for Becoming a Teacher Online in Ohio

Starting an Ohio teacher career involves meeting educational, licensure, and teacher preparation program requirements. Let's explore how you can meet some of these goals online to become a teacher in Ohio.

1. Determine Your Area of Focus

Ohio private and public schools offer plenty of great teaching opportunities. Before pursuing your educator license, consider your preferred grade level or specialization. Some include:

• early childhood education
• kindergarten and elementary education (pk to 5)
• middle school / middle childhood (grades 4-9)
• adolescence to young adult (7th grade through high school / secondary school)
• multi-age (pk to 12th grade)
• primary intervention specialist (pk to 5)
• intervention specialist

Middle and high school teachers often pick a specific content area like language arts, math, social studies, world languages, or chemistry. You might also opt for special education or English as a Second Language (ESL).

2. Gain an Undergraduate Degree Online

An online bachelor's degree offers the same education benefits you'll receive from an on-campus program. You gain the academic background needed to secure a teaching job; however, your courses are delivered online. Online educator licensure programs typically include field experiences for classroom observation and a student teaching component. After completing your undergraduate degree online, you'll be ready to secure licensure in Ohio.

If you need help funding your degree, you could save on tuition or even become a teacher for free online with scholarships and other financial aid. Federal grants like the Pell and FSEOG can save you thousands on tuition. Also, the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant covers some college costs for students who agree to a teaching service obligation.

3. Pass a Background Check

All educators in Ohio must submit background checks for credentials issued by the Ohio State Board of Education (the government body of the Ohio Department of Education). Teaching candidates must provide Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) criminal background checks. Your background check results must be sent directly to the Ohio State Board of Education. Ask your local school district to find out where to go to complete the background check requirements.

4. Participate in an Educator Preparation Program

Becoming an Ohio teaching professional usually starts with earning your bachelor's degree from a program that helps you earn licensure. You could also pick a post-baccalaureate program with licensure courses or a master's degree program with licensure requirements.

Your degree should include an educator preparation program that provides students with the academic and teaching background needed to succeed in the classroom. Programs require students to get into the field for hands-on experience with licensed teachers and students.

5. Pass the Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Exams

Securing initial educator licensure in Ohio requires passing the appropriate Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) test. OAE exams assess teaching candidates' content area and professional knowledge and are aligned with the state's Learning Standards. Tests are available by licensure area and grade level. After selecting the correct exam, you can set a test appointment.

6. Complete Required Teaching Hours

Teaching experience is crucial to a successful teaching career. Educator preparation programs typically ensure students get sufficient training through clinical or field experiences in diverse classroom settings. Your grade level and preparation program will dictate the number of teaching hours needed to meet teacher certification requirements.

7. Obtain Teaching Certification

Once you've met all qualifications, you're set to secure your licensure and become a professional educator in Ohio. Candidates seeking initial licensure can choose from two Resident Educator licenses. The Standard Resident Educator license is for beginning teachers who have finished an approved, traditional educator preparation program through an accredited college or university. The Alternative Resident Educator license is an alternative certification option for candidates who complete the Ohio Alternative Resident Educator licensure pathway.

The State Board of Education issues teacher licensure in the state. Candidates must use the online CORE system to submit their applications.

Online Bachelor's in Education Degree Programs in Ohio

You can choose from several online programs created to prepare students for teaching jobs. The following bachelor's degrees offer flexible scheduling for busy learners.

Mount Vernon Nazarene University � BA in Elementary Education

Mount Vernon Nazarene University offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in elementary education for students interested in teaching preschool through the fifth grade. This program is designed for working adults with busy schedules. In addition to taking online coursework, students participate in 12 or more weeks of full-time student teaching experiences. This certification program prepares graduates to earn their Ohio teaching license.

University of Cincinnati Online � BS in Early Childhood Education

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in early childhood education from the University of Cincinnati prepares students to work in preschools, Head Start programs, or childcare centers. This teaching program doesn't lead to licensure. However, it outlines what professionals need to know to design and implement appropriate learning environments. No field experiences are required for this degree, which means students can complete their studies 100% online.

University of Toledo � BA in Liberal Studies

The University of Toledo offers a 100% online, competency-based (CBE) BA in liberal studies degree. CBE learning allows students to navigate coursework at their own pace. Students can master a topic and then advance to the next one. This helps them complete the program as quickly as they desire.

The liberal studies program covers numerous content areas. Some include sociology, music, political science, geography, art, and literature. Liberal arts is a fantastic foundational degree for prospective elementary school teachers who need a well-rounded understanding of various subjects. With this degree, you might be able to take Ohio's Alternative Resident Educator (RE) licensure pathway.

What Is the Job Market Like for Online Teachers in Ohio?

Teacher employment isn't expected to increase from 2023 to 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, teachers can expect many job openings over this period. For instance, employment for high teachers is projected to decline by 1%, though 64,000 openings are expected annually due to retirement and occupation transfers.

With many teaching positions available, now's a great time to consider building your online teaching skills. Technology is becoming an integral part of the education system. Educators with online teaching skills are valued for their ability to customize their students' learning experiences. They're also important in school districts that want students to continue learning on snow days.