Learn more about the process for becoming certified to teach in the Ohio region.
Becoming Certified to Teach
Ohio corps members receive either of the following licenses:
- Ohio: Four-year Resident Educator License
- Kentucky: Temporary provisional certificate which is valid for one year at a time and can be renewed up to two times. Corps members must teach for an additional year (for a total of three years) if they would like to receive a full-standard license.
The license that you receive is dependent on which state you get hired.
Requirements
In order to qualify for the Ohio Resident Educator License, all corps members are required to:
- Pass the Ohio Assessment for Educators Subject area exams that match their subject assignment in their placement school prior to their first day of teaching.
- Provide two copies of their degree-conferred transcript from an accredited college or university
- Pay a $160 fee to the Ohio Department of Education for initial licensure
- Pass a FBI and BCI background check
- Complete Teach For America Institute Training
In order to qualify for the Kentucky temporary provisional certificate, all corps members are required to:
- Pass the Praxis II subject area exams that match their subject assignment from TFA prior to their first day of teaching
- Provide two copies of their degree-conferred transcript from an accredited college or university
- Pass a FBI and state background check
- Complete Teach For America Institute Training
Is a master’s degree required?
No. Earning a master’s degree is an option available to corps members, but it is not required.
Master's Degree Option
University of Cincinnati Teacher’s College
Teach For America partners locally with the University of Cincinnati Teacher’s College for an optional master’s degree program in the following disciples:
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Educational Leadership
- Literacy & Second Language Studies
- Special Education
Corps members and alumni of Ohio receive approximately a 25 percent tuition discount and can complete the program in two years. Average total cost of tuition is $13,800 with the 25 percent discount. You can apply AmeriCorps education grants to federal loans that you incur during the program.
Johns Hopkins University (Online)
We also partner virtually with Johns Hopkins University to provide corps members and alumni the opportunity to obtain a master’s degree in teaching. Cost is roughly $23,000 total over the course of the two years, and you can apply Americorps education grants to the cost. Learn more about the Johns Hopkins program.
The following programs can be completed in two years:
- Johns Hopkins Master of Science in Teaching
- University of Cincinnati programs in Curriculum & Instruction, Special Education, and Literacy & Second Language Studies.
The Educational Leadership track at the University of Cincinnati is two years, but you must be a second year teacher to enroll.
TFA Training
What to Expect
Teach For America hosts training that takes place for five to seven weeks during the summer and includes learning experiences and summer school teaching.
Estimated Costs
- Certification Practice Tests: $60
- Ohio Certification Exams: $210 - $273 (depending on placement area)
- Kentucky Certification Exams: $240 - $340 (depending on placement area)
- Travel to summer training: $200-$600
- Ohio License Application: $160
- Kentucky Temporary Provisional Certification: $0
Support Team
All corps members are also constantly supported by the regional staff and team. Each corps member will work with the Teacher Leadership Development team through a combination of one-on-one coaching with their coach, group coaching and development experiences and corps-wide learning grounded in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusiveness and systems thinking.
Our Teacher Leadership Development team is here to support your contribution to educational equity through accelerating your classroom impact and beyond.