Celebrating Ohio's Educators

As another remarkable school year draws to a close, I want to pause and celebrate you—the teachers, counselors, specialists, and leaders who inspire Ohio’s 1.6 million PreK–12 students every day. You have guided graduating seniors toward new horizons, nurtured the curiosity of our youngest learners, and created classrooms where every student was seen, challenged, and encouraged to thrive. Thank you for the countless hours of dedication, creativity, and care you brought to your work this year. Continue reading here.

Spotlight on Licensure: Options for Pupil Services Providers

Pupil services personnel such as school nurses, social workers, and counselors are integral to supporting students. The State Board of Education issues both pupil services licenses and registrations to qualified individuals, ensuring students receive the care they need from highly trained professionals.

License v. Registration. Personnel who hold a pupil services license have completed a school licensure program in the area listed on their license. An individual who holds a pupil services school speech-language pathology (SLP) license, for example, has completed a program designed specifically for providing SLP services to students in school settings. Those who hold the pupil services license also hold the requisite professional Ohio board license (except for School Counselors and Orientation and Mobility Specialists, who are not required to hold a professional board license under Ohio law).

The State Board of Ohio began issuing pupil services registrations in 2021, in accordance with Ohio law.  The registration is issued to individuals who hold a professional Ohio board license for the requested area. Licensed social workers, for example, may work under a pupil services registration (social work) without having to complete a school licensure program. The registration allows districts more flexibility in hiring professionals to meet students’ needs. Note that registrations are not issued to school counselors or orientation and mobility specialists. See the Pupil Services Licensure and Registration webpage for more details.

Spotlight on Professional Conduct: Accurate Reporting

Educators must accurately report information required by the local board of education or governing board, state education agencies, federal agency or state or federal law. Principle 3 of the Licensure Code of Professional Conduct prohibits educators from falsifying, intentionally misrepresenting, willfully omitting, or being negligent in reporting information. This includes, but is not limited to: licensure application information, such as criminal convictions and qualifications; qualifications and discipline history on employment applications; reasons for absences or leaves; evaluations of students and/or personnel; mandatory reports; and more. Review Licensure Code Principle 3 and #ABConduct Tip Sheets #5, #7, #10 and #13 for more information.

Licensure Renewal Season in Full Swing

Educators whose licenses expire June 30 need to complete requirements and submit their renewal or advance applications as soon as possible if they wish to have an active license on July 1. Please note that all licenses are issued with an effective date of July 1, even if the license is issued after that date. Renewal requirements may be accessed from the Renew a License webpage. Please note that Ohio educators must submit FBI background checks every five years. Individuals who live outside of Ohio must also submit BCI background checks. Questions about the CORE online licensure application system? Please review information on the Online CORE License System FAQs webpage. Educators renewing with coursework should also review information on the Transcript Instructions before submitting official college or university transcripts.