Explore Careers: Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree is the first step to becoming a classroom teacher and impacting students on a daily basis. The opportunities within the teaching profession are nearly limitless. Whether you are passionate about working with a particular age group, sharing your love for a content area, or working with special student populations, selecting the appropriate preparation program sets you on the path to fulfilling your calling.

A wide variety of school professionals support school administration, from accounting to HR to communications. With a bachelor’s degree, you can work in education if you have these skills as well. Contact your local school district or other educational organization to learn more, or explore the Ohio Education Job Board.

Teacher

Professional Profile

Occupational Outlook

Teacher License

Pathways to Teaching in Ohio

Select the pathway to becoming a classroom teacher that best matches your interests and experience.

I want to obtain a bachelor’s degree in education.

Pursue a Standard Resident Educator License. Before beginning your program:

• Choose a teaching license type after considering the age range, content area(s), and student populations that you want to teach.

• Decide whether you want to add a supplemental license or endorsement.

• Select an education program.

I have my bachelor’s degree in education but have not yet completed exam requirements for the standard Resident Educator licensure.

Pursue a one-year Interim Resident Educator license.

Per the State Board of Education:

The new 1-Year Interim Resident Educator license is available for the 2025–2026 school year at the request of the employing superintendent or chief administrator of the school, district, or educational service center to candidates who have not successfully completed exam requirements for standard Resident Educator licensure.

Note that both the employing Ohio school, district, or educational service center AND the college or university at which the applicant completed an Ohio Department of Higher Education approved educator preparation program must electronically approve the application for the initial license. Only applications for the 2025-2026 school year will be processed at this time.

I already have a bachelor’s degree in a non-education area.

Option 1: Enroll in an approved post-baccalaureate or graduate program leading to a Standard Resident Educator License, or

Option 2: Pursue an Alternative Resident Educator License. U.S. military veterans can also visit the Troops to Teachers website for helpful resources.

I completed a teacher preparation program outside of Ohio.

Learn about Ohio teacher licensure options.