Licensure (Certificated)
Background Checks and Licensing: What's the process?
Ohio law requires all individuals to have a baseline Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and a FBI criminal background check upon employment with Cincinnati Public School district. For Certificated and Civil Service staff, individuals should have their checks completed upon applying for their educator license, certificate or permit. The FBI and BCI checks must not be older than one year (365 days) at the time in which they are used for initial licensure. Cincinnati Public Schools follows the Ohio Department of Education standards regarding all licensure policies and procedures. Other points of reference to consider:
If an individual continuously resides in Ohio, he/she doesn't need to update the BCI background check, but does need to obtain a FBI criminal background check once every five years.
If an individual resides outside of Ohio at any time during the five years after obtaining the BCI check, then both background checks need to be updated.
These policies apply to all individuals holding a state of Ohio educator license, certificate or permit, including a non-tax certificate (no expiration), a permanent certificate (no expiration date) and an eight-year professional certificate.
It is the responsibility of the educators holding ODE licenses, certificates or permits, as well as their employers, to ensure the law is followed with regard to obtaining required updated background checks within a five-year time frame as mandated by law, even if the expiration of a background check does not always coincide with the expiration of the license.
Click here to schedule a background check at the CPS Ed Center.
For more information about the licensing process in the state of Ohio, visit http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Teaching/Licensure/Additional-Information/Background-Check-FAQs
How do I renew a license?
The Ohio Department of Education (ODE) only accepts online license renewal applications.
To complete the process, log on to your ODE SAFE account: https://safe.ode.state.oh.us/portal
All employees of Cincinnati Public Schools who hold a 5-year Professional License must have the following requirements to renew, as outlined by Ohio Revised Code 33-1-24-08 and the CPS Local Professional Development Committee (LPDC). If you do not hold a 5-year license, please disregard.
Must have an approved Individual Professional Development Plan (IPDP) on file within 6 months of the issuance of your last license. Click here to make a copy of the IPDP form and share it with the LPDC at TeacherLicensure@cpsboe.k12.oh.us.
The IPDP forms must be submitted and approved prior to beginning the course work or activities for which the educator seeks approval. IPDP Standards can be found in LPDC Handbook in the LPDC Schoology Group.
Completion of six semester hours, 180 contact hours or a combination of both approved equivalent activities. Coursework must be related to classroom teaching or the area of licensure.
For all FAQ about the ODE Online Licensure Process, visit http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Teaching/Licensure/Additional-Information/Help-and-FAQs-for-the-Online-License-System
Background check FAQ: http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Teaching?Educator-Licensure/Additional-Information/Background-Check-FAQs
LPDC Handbook and Forms (Cover page and Educator Goals) can be found on the LPDC Committee page.
ODE Online Application & Payment Process
You can access ODE's online application and payment at http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Teaching/Licensure/Renew-Certificate-License . Scroll toward the bottom of the page to find "Getting Started with the Online Application" and follow the instructions. Once you have successfully completed the online application, it will take you to the payment screens. You will need the following IRN's for your online application.
043752-- Cincinnati City Schools
014500-- Cincinnati Public Schools LPDC (only use for 5-year Renewals)
Because you are employed with an Ohio School District, there is no need to upload transcripts to ODE. For transcript and document submission instructions, please reference the Five-Year Renewal FAQs.
Ohio License Fee Schedule
Long-Term Substitute License: To renew a Substitute License: Go to https://safe.ode.state.oh.us/portal
The School District is Cincinnati City
IRN 043752
You can apply for a 1-yr or 5-yr sub license.
Long-term Substitutes – If you work 21 or 35 consecutive days in the same assignment, you become eligible for LTS salary.
If you are issued a General Education license, you are not eligible to serve as a LTS.
Ohio Resident Educator Program (OREP)
The Ohio Resident Educator Program is a four-year induction system of support and mentoring for new teachers. Successful completion of the residency program is required to qualify for a five-year professional educator license.
In years one and two, Resident Educators (RE) work collaboratively with their Mentor to complete the RE Program requirements using self-assessment and goal setting. They demonstrate use of authentic teacher work such as lesson planning, data analysis, assessment for reflection, and work to prepare for the Resident Educator Summative Assessment (RESA).
During years three and four of the Resident Educator Program, the Resident Educator is supported through a collaborative cohort to prepare for and submit four sections of the Resident Educator Summative Assessment (RESA). Then in year four Resident Educators work independently on the following:
Retake any deficient portions of the RESA
Participate in professional development as determined by the school or district
Consider reviewing the online Learn to Lead module available for optional leadership explorations
Complete local Resident Educator program requirements then apply for the 5-year professional license
More information about the OREP can be found at the ODE website
http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Teaching/Resident-Educator-Program/Resident-Educator-Overview
For information about the Resident Educator Summative Assessment, see the following: