State Board of Education Welcomes New Members

The State Board of Education welcomed nine new members at its January meeting, six elected members who won races in November and three members at-large who were recently appointed by Governor DeWine. The new members were sworn in prior to the meeting by Ohio Supreme Court Justice Daniel Hawkins. Learn more about the new and returning board members here.

New Professional Conduct Reporting Forms

The Office of Professional Conduct has released new forms for reporting licensed educator misconduct. The new forms can be found on the Report Educator Misconduct webpage and include additional guidance, which will help improve office efficiency. Administrators should use the new School District and Community School Reporting Form when making discretionary reports or reports required under Ohio law on behalf of their district or school.

2026 Ohio Teacher of the Year Nominations

Since 1964, the Ohio Teacher of the Year program has identified exceptional educators celebrating their effective, inspiring work inside and outside the classroom. The program's mission is to elevate their voice as leaders and advocates for the teaching profession and public education. Don’t miss the opportunity to recognize outstanding teachers. Nominations for the 2026 Ohio Teacher of the Year open Feb. 1, 2025.

New Exam Requirement for School Treasurer Licenses

Candidates applying for a new school treasurer license on or after January 1, 2025, must successfully complete the new Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) 056 School Treasurer exam. The new exam is not required for renewal of previously issued school treasurer licenses.

Registration Open for Resident Educator Program Coordinator Regional Network Meetings

Registration is now open for the February Resident Educator Program Coordinator Regional Network meetings. The State Board of Education is hosting three virtual regional meetings to bring program coordinators together to engage with colleagues, share insights and strategies for program implementation, and hear from the Resident Educator Program staff. Participants can choose to attend ONE of the following meeting dates:

• February 18, 2025 - Northern region, 9-11:30 a.m.
• February 20, 2025 - Central region, 9-11:30 a.m.
• February 26, 2025 - Southern region, 1-3:30 p.m.

Educators who are unable to attend on the scheduled dates for their regions may register for a different date as the same content will be shared at all three meetings. Register here by February 12. Registered participants will receive an email containing meeting access information one week prior to the meeting date. Confirmation is not generated at registration. Email questions to REProgram@SBOE.ohio.gov and visit the Program Coordinators webpage for additional information.

Rapback Enrollment Timeline for Non-Licensed Employees and Contractors

Those non-licensed school personnel that are required to be enrolled in Rapback should be enrolled by January 31, 2025. Non-licensed school employees and contractors are required to be enrolled in Rapback if they have routine interaction with a student or regular responsibility for the care, custody, and control of a student. The school or district must determine the level of student interaction for a given position, however the following positions are commonly included: food service personnel, custodians, building secretaries or administrators, and other contractors and employees who interact with students. Visit the Rapback Expansion webpage for more information.

Substitute Teaching Under Pre-Service Teacher Permits

Schools and districts may employ candidates who hold the new Pre-Service Teacher permit as substitute teachers with compensation. Note that this permit is valid only while the candidate is enrolled in the educator preparation program. Candidates who are no longer enrolled in their educator preparation program and have not yet applied for the Resident Educator license should apply for a substitute teaching license (at the request of the employing school or district) if employed in that capacity.