How to Become a Teacher in Ohio

To become a teacher in Ohio with American Board’s teacher certification program, candidates will need to complete the following steps:

1. Applicant must request an Alternative Evaluation through the Ohio Department of Education. The applicant must fill out this form and mail it to the Ohio Department of Education offices with payment and required documents. The offices will review the application to be sure that applicant meets initial eligibility requirements which are:
   1. Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree with a grade point average of 2.5 or higher from an accredited institution of higher education.
   2. Candidates must complete the required licensure exams applicable to the area(s) in which they are seeking.
   3. Both a BCI and FBI background checks less than 365 days old must be on file at the Ohio Department of Education prior to registering for an approved Alternative Resident Educator Institute.
2. Enroll in American Board’s teacher certification program (an Ohio Higher Ed approved Alternative Resident Educator Institute) with your valid Confirmation Registration Letter. This can be done by clicking here or with an Enrollment Specialist over the phone at 877-669-2228.
3. Pass American Board’s Professional Teaching Knowledge (PTK) exam. Upon passing the exam, you will receive the Certificate of Completion which you will then submit to the Ohio Department of Education. Once the Certificate of Completion is issued, email it to alternativelicense@education.ohio.gov so that the Ohio Department of Education office can issue a Statement of Eligibility.
4. Use your Statement of Eligibility to begin teaching in an Ohio school.