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Along the border of Lake Erie, Ohio is a state that has much to offer its residents. Whether you prefer a more dynamic lifestyle in cities such as Cincinnati and Cleveland or enjoy the peaceful and close-knit rural communities, you'll find yourself right at home when you become a teacher in Ohio. With its 72 state parks, a multitude of ski resorts and amusement parks, the Rock and Roll and Pro Football Halls of Fame, and an abundance of educational museums, the Buckeye State is an attractive place to live and make your career as an Ohio teacher.
Why Become a Teacher in Ohio? Ohio teachers have maintained a legacy of excellent education standards. The education industry in Ohio was awarded an above-average score in the 2006 state comparison report from the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education. Furthermore, students scored above the national average for all mandated 4th and 8th grade standardized tests in 2007, according to The National Center for Education Statistics. Additionally, with the state's 614 local school districts, student-teacher ratio of 16:1 and diverse student body, teaching in Ohio can be an extensively rewarding experience. Ohio Teacher Salary Information The average Ohio teacher salary ranks 14th highest in the nation, and Ohio has a lower cost of living than most of the states that may offer higher pay. This combination can make teaching in Ohio appealing to both new and experienced teachers. The following breakdown illustrates the range of salaries you can earn teaching in Ohio, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: - Elementary teacher salary: $51,880
- Middle school teacher salary: $53,290
- Secondary teacher salary: $53,420
- Special education teacher salary: $52,230
Ohio Teachers in Demand Ohio teaching lets you enjoy some additional benefits that many states are not able to provide. Due to a shortage of teachers, incentive programs have been created that provide teachers with free career training and compensation for higher education. Those Ohio teachers who choose to obtain advanced training and degrees usually see their earnings improve. Explore our site for more information on advancing your teaching career and improving your teacher salary.
Ohio Teacher Certification To become a teacher in Ohio, licenses are offered in the following four age-based areas: - Early childhood (Prekindergarten – grade 3)
- Middle childhood (grades 4 – grade 9)
- Adolescent to young adult (grades 7 – 12)
- Multi-age (Prekindergarten – grade 12)
The state has a two-level certification system. Each level provides a specific type of educator license for Ohio teachers: a provisional educator license, which is a two-year, nonrenewable license, and the professional educator license. Because it is considered an advanced license, the latter is valid for five years and is renewable. An endorsement may be added to any provisional or professional teaching license, unless limited by age or grade. If you are teaching in Ohio, some endorsements you can choose from include: The process for obtaining an Ohio teaching certification is relatively straightforward. The first crucial step is enrolling in a bachelor's degree program that will include student teaching. In addition, to start an Ohio teaching career, you must complete a state and federal background check and pass the applicable portions of the PRAXIS II exams. To obtain a professional educator license, you must meet all of the requirements necessary for holding the provisional educator license, and pass the PRAXIS III assessment. Already a certified teacher? If you are applying for a license to become a teacher in Ohio, you may qualify under the interstate agreement if you hold a standard certificate issued by a member state and have the minimum requirement of 27 months of experience within the previous seven years. Become an Ohio Teacher Today! Teaching in Ohio is a challenging but satisfying career. The state's lower costs of living coupled with its higher-end salaries will give you the opportunities to enjoy the best living environments and amenities that the state has to offer. Whether you're a new student looking to make teaching your career, or you're an experienced teacher looking to relocate, become a teacher in Ohio with the certification program that fits your needs. For help getting started, explore the many pathways to an Ohio teaching career through our comprehensive list of accredited teacher education schools. |
