The bill amends sections 3319.079 and 3319.22 of the Revised Code to update the specifications for educator license grade bands in Ohio. It allows holders of valid educator licenses to renew their licenses using either the previous or updated grade band specifications, with a transition timeline established for changes effective after October 24, 2024. Upon renewal, educators will receive a grade band specification that includes the grades they were previously authorized to teach. The bill also outlines the types of educator licenses to be issued by the state board of education, including resident, professional, senior professional, and lead professional licenses, each with specific validity periods and renewal conditions. New licenses will indicate the specific grade bands educators are authorized to teach, which have been revised to cover pre-kindergarten through five, four through nine, or seven through twelve.

Additionally, the bill allows various educational entities to establish local professional development committees to review coursework proposed by licensed employees, ensuring compliance with state board requirements. It also exempts consistently high-performing teachers and school counselors from additional coursework for license renewal if they meet specific performance criteria. The state board is mandated to issue various educator licenses to applicants with out-of-state licenses or relevant work experience. Finally, the bill repeals the existing sections 3319.079 and 3319.22 of the Revised Code, streamlining the licensing process for educators in Ohio.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3319.079, 3319.22