The bill amends sections 3319.079 and 3319.22 of the Revised Code to update the specifications for educator licensure in Ohio. It allows holders of valid educator licenses to renew their licenses under either the previous or current grade band specifications, depending on when their license was issued. The new language specifies that licenses issued after the effective date of the amendment must indicate whether the educator is licensed to teach specific grade bands, such as pre-kindergarten through five, four through eight, or seven through twelve. Additionally, the bill permits school districts to employ educators outside their designated grade bands under certain conditions and establishes local professional development committees to oversee the coursework required for license renewal.

The bill also introduces changes to professional development requirements, allowing local committees to grant continuing education credit for completed professional development training. Educators can receive credit for one course per renewal period, provided they hold a valid license during the course. Furthermore, consistently high-performing teachers and school counselors are exempt from additional coursework for license renewal if they meet specific performance criteria. The bill includes provisions for issuing educator licenses to applicants with valid licenses from other states or relevant work experience and repeals existing sections 3319.079 and 3319.22 of the Revised Code.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3319.079, 3319.22
As Reported By Senate Committee: 3319.079, 3319.22
As Passed By Senate: 3319.079, 3319.22