How To Become a Middle School Teacher in Ohio 2025

Interested in how to become a middle school teacher? In Ohio, the licensure process is structured to ensure that teachers are well-prepared to support students in grades four through nine. From earning your degree to passing required exams and securing a Resident Educator License, each step is designed to build your skills and meet state standards. This article breaks down the full certification process, highlights subject-area requirements, and outlines key details like salary, job outlook, and financial aid.

What Does a Middle School Teacher Do?

Middle school teachers help students navigate a critical academic and developmental period, typically grades four through nine in Ohio. These educators focus on both content knowledge and the emotional growth of young adolescents, often teaching subjects such as English language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies. They also create engaging learning environments, foster student independence, and guide learners through social and cognitive challenges.

To meet middle school teacher educational requirements, teachers must complete subject-area coursework, teacher preparation, and licensure testing. They must also be equipped to manage classrooms, differentiate instruction, and support students with varied learning needs.

Typical middle school teacher expectations include:

• planning and delivering standards-based lessons
• instructing students in one or more academic subjects
• creating a structured and inclusive classroom environment
• assessing student progress and modifying instruction accordingly
• communicating regularly with parents, guardians, and staff
• supporting student behavior, development, and well-being
• participating in professional development and licensure renewal

How To Become a Middle School Teacher in Ohio

To meet the requirements to become a middle school teacher, candidates in Ohio must follow a multi-step licensure process governed by the State Board of Education. This includes completing a bachelor's degree, an approved educator preparation program, content testing, and applying for an Ohio Resident Educator License. Below are the key steps to becoming a certified middle childhood teacher for grades four through nine in Ohio.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree With Middle Childhood Focus

All prospective middle school teachers in Ohio must first earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. The degree must focus on middle childhood education, preparing you to teach two subject areas such as language arts, math, science, or social studies for grades four through nine.

These programs include both content coursework and foundational education classes in areas like adolescent development, classroom management, and instructional design. Choosing a degree that aligns with the state's middle childhood licensure standards ensures you meet academic qualifications for the Resident Educator License.

Step 2: Complete an Approved Educator Preparation Program

In addition to your degree, you must complete a state-approved educator preparation program that includes pedagogy coursework and field experiences. These programs are embedded in most middle childhood education degrees and are required for licensure eligibility in Ohio.

Teacher preparation programs include supervised student teaching and at least two field placements across your chosen subject areas. These experiences allow you to apply what you've learned in real classrooms, observe certified teachers, and receive feedback to improve your instructional skills.

Step 3: Pass Required Licensure Exams

To qualify for licensure, you must pass the Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) exams in each of your two selected content areas. These exams assess subject-specific knowledge and your ability to apply effective teaching practices.

You must also pass the Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Middle Childhood (4-9), which measures your understanding of pedagogy, classroom management, student development, and instructional planning. All testing requirements must be met before you can be recommended for licensure.

Step 4: Apply for the Ohio Resident Educator License

After completing your degree, preparation program, and required tests, you can apply for the four-year Resident Educator License through the Ohio Department of Education's online system. This initial license allows you to begin teaching in Ohio public schools.

You'll need to submit official transcripts, test scores, background checks, and a recommendation from your preparation program. Once approved, the Resident Educator License is valid for four years and must be followed by participation in the Ohio Resident Educator Program.

Step 5: Complete the Resident Educator Program and Advance Your License

During your first four years of teaching, you must participate in the Resident Educator Program, which includes mentoring and performance assessments. This program helps new teachers build confidence, improve instruction, and reflect on their teaching practices.

After successfully completing the program, you can apply to advance to a five-year Professional Educator License. Continued professional development and adherence to state standards are required to maintain your license throughout your teaching career in Ohio.

Middle School Requirements By Subject

In Ohio, middle school teachers must earn a license in two content areas for grades four through nine. Each subject requires coursework, clinical experience, and passing scores on the corresponding Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) exams. Below are the steps for certification in each core subject area.

How To Become a Middle School Math Teacher

To become a licensed middle school math teacher in Ohio, you must complete a bachelor's degree with a middle childhood education focus that includes at least one concentration in mathematics. Your program should cover college-level algebra, geometry, statistics, and number theory, along with coursework in teaching methods for middle grades math.

You'll need to complete supervised fieldwork in a math classroom and pass the OAE Middle Grades Mathematics exam (028). This exam evaluates your understanding of mathematical concepts and your ability to apply instructional strategies. Combined with your educator preparation program, it qualifies you to teach math in grades four through nine.

How To Become a Middle School Science Teacher

Middle school science teachers in Ohio must complete a middle childhood education degree that includes a science concentration. This typically requires coursework in life science, earth and space science, chemistry, physics, and scientific inquiry. You'll also take pedagogy courses that focus on teaching science to adolescents.

To earn your license, you must complete student teaching in a science classroom and pass the OAE Middle Grades Science exam (029). The test covers scientific content knowledge and classroom applications. After meeting these requirements, you'll be licensed to teach general science in grades four through nine.

How To Become a Middle School History Teacher

To teach social studies, including history, you must pursue a middle childhood education program with a concentration in social studies. Required coursework includes U.S. history, world history, geography, civics, and economics, as well as instruction in how to teach those subjects in the middle grades.

Ohio requires passage of the OAE Middle Grades Social Studies exam (030) to demonstrate subject mastery. Field experiences and student teaching in a history or social studies setting are also required. Upon completion, you'll be qualified to teach social studies to students in grades four through nine.

How To Become a Middle School English Language Arts Teacher

For English language arts (ELA) licensure, you must complete a bachelor's degree in middle childhood education with a concentration in English. This includes coursework in literature, composition, linguistics, grammar, and adolescent reading and writing strategies.

To meet licensure requirements, you must complete a teaching practicum in an ELA classroom and pass the OAE Middle Grades English Language Arts exam (028). This exam tests your knowledge of reading comprehension, language use, writing instruction, and communication. Successful candidates are eligible to teach ELA in grades four through nine in Ohio.

Education Degree Programs in Ohio

Ohio offers a variety of state-approved education programs that prepare students for middle childhood licensure in grades four through nine. The colleges below provide both undergraduate and graduate pathways that combine subject-area coursework, classroom experience, and support for meeting certification requirements.

1. Bowling Green State University

The Bachelor of Science in education in middle childhood education at Bowling Green State University prepares students to teach grades four through nine in two subject areas. Available concentrations include mathematics, science, social studies, and English language arts.

The program includes coursework in adolescent development, instructional strategies, and assessment practices tailored to middle-grade learners. Students begin field experiences during their first year and complete a student teaching placement as part of their licensure preparation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $14,482 (in-state); $14,482 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

2. University of Toledo

The University of Toledo offers a Bachelor of Education in middle childhood education that prepares students to teach grades four through nine in two subject areas. Concentration options include mathematics, science, social studies, and English language arts. The program features coursework in content-specific pedagogy, adolescent development, and classroom management, along with early field experiences and student teaching in diverse school settings.

Graduate students can pursue a Master of Education in middle childhood education, designed for individuals seeking initial licensure or advanced professional development. This program includes instructional theory, assessment practices, and clinical experiences aligned with Ohio teaching standards.

• Estimated tuition cost: $10,593 (in-state); $19,953 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

3. Kent State University

The Bachelor of Science in education in middle childhood education at Kent State University prepares students to teach grades four through nine in two subject areas. Available concentrations include English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. The program includes coursework in adolescent development, instructional methods, and classroom management, along with early field experiences and full-time student teaching.

Graduates are eligible for an Ohio Resident Educator License upon completion of the program and passing required certification exams. The degree emphasizes both content mastery and age-appropriate teaching strategies for middle-grade learners.

• Estimated tuition cost: $13,466 (in-state); $23,690 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

4. Youngstown State University

Youngstown State University offers a Bachelor of Science in education in middle childhood education through its Department of Teacher Education. Students choose two concentrations from English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies and complete content-area coursework tailored to middle-grade teaching.

The program also includes general education classes, adolescent learning theory, and extensive field experiences in grades four through nine. Graduates are prepared to pursue licensure in Ohio and begin teaching in public or private school settings.

• Estimated tuition cost: $12,600 (in-state); $12,600 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

5. Cleveland State University

At Cleveland State University, undergraduate students can earn a Bachelor of Science in Education with a focus on middle childhood education. The program prepares students to teach two subject areas (English language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies) in grades four through nine.

Students complete field placements and student teaching while taking courses in pedagogy, content literacy, and child development. Upon graduation and successful exam completion, students are eligible to apply for middle childhood licensure through the Ohio Department of Education.

• Estimated tuition cost: $12,878 (in-state); $18,393.60 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

Middle School Teacher Salary in Ohio?

The average middle school teacher salary in Ohio is $70,250 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries may vary by district, location, and experience level. Teachers working in urban areas like Columbus or Cleveland often earn more due to higher demand and cost of living.

Entry-level salaries typically start in the low $40,000s, while more experienced educators with advanced degrees or endorsements can earn upwards of $80,000. Many school districts also offer health benefits, retirement plans, and annual step increases.

Job Outlook for Middle School Teachers in Ohio

Employment for middle school teachers in Ohio is expected to decline slightly over the next decade, following national trends. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, middle school teaching positions are projected to drop by 1% between 2023 and 2033.

However, approximately 41,400 openings are anticipated each year due to retirements and teachers changing careers. While overall job growth may be limited, consistent demand in subject shortage areas, such as math and science, will continue to create opportunities for new educators across the state.

Financial Aid for Middle School Teacher Programs

Students in Ohio pursuing a teaching degree may qualify for several types of financial aid. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to accessing federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. Many online colleges that accept financial aid offer affordable education degrees that meet Ohio teacher licensure requirements.

Ohio also provides state-based aid such as the Ohio College Opportunity Grant for low-income students and the TEACH Grant for those planning to work in high-need teaching areas. Additionally, some universities offer scholarships specifically for future educators, especially those committing to teach in underserved schools or critical shortage subjects.

FAQs About Becoming a Middle School Teacher in Ohio

If you're considering a teaching career in Ohio, you may have questions about how long it takes to get certified, whether alternative paths are available, and how to make the process more affordable. The answers below address common concerns and provide practical guidance for future middle school educators.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Middle School Teacher in Ohio?

The typical path takes about four to five years. Most students complete a bachelor's degree in middle childhood education along with a state-approved teacher preparation program. Additional time may be needed for exam preparation, student teaching, and licensure processing through the Ohio Department of Education.

Can You Become a Teacher in Ohio Without a Teaching Degree?

Yes, but you'll still need to meet Ohio's licensure requirements. If you already hold a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field, you can complete a post-baccalaureate teacher preparation program or enroll in an alternative licensure pathway offered by approved institutions.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Teacher?

The fastest route is through an alternative licensure program, available to individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree. These programs allow you to begin teaching under a temporary license while completing required coursework and tests, which can shorten the certification timeline.

How Can I Become a Teacher in Ohio for Free?

You may be able to earn your teaching degree at low or no cost by applying for need-based grants, scholarships, and loan forgiveness programs. Completing the FAFSA and applying for aid such as the Ohio College Opportunity Grant or TEACH Grant can significantly reduce expenses.

Can You Start Teaching With an Associate Degree?

No, an associate degree alone does not meet the requirements for full licensure in Ohio. However, you can use it to transfer into a bachelor's program in education or work in a support role like a classroom aide while completing your degree.

Explore Teaching Degrees in Ohio

At Learn.org, explore accredited teacher preparation programs in Ohio to find the right path to licensure. Whether you're beginning your education or changing careers, state-approved colleges and universities offer flexible options for becoming a certified middle school teacher.