Register for SAFE account:  To see your license on the ODE website and the status of your fingerprints, etc.  you need to sign up for a SAFE account, click here to go to the ODE Web site and select the grey button – SAFE Account Sign In – on the left menu. If you need help obtaining a SAFE account, please e-mail: safe.admin@ode.state.us.oh.

Organizing for High Quality Professional Development:  ODE developed this handbook for educators that provides:

• guidance for educators as they develop their Individual Professional Development Plans (IPDPs), and
• standards-based criteria for Local Professional Development Committees (LPDCs) to use in the evaluation of the IPDPs.

Professional Development Standards Purpose:

• Delineate the characteristics of high quality professional development
• Support the belief that quality professional development is linked to daily practice
• Advocate for the involvement of all educators in planning, implementing and sustaining professional development
• Advance the leadership capacity of educators

Click here to view or download the Organizing for High Quality Professional Development publication rubric.

Basic Licensure Requirements

Licensure Fee Schedule

Ohio's Educator Standards Book 

• Ohio Standards for the Teaching Profession
• Teacher Self-assessment Tool
• Ohio Standards for Professional Development
• Ohio Standards for Principals

"Tools for Teachers" Resource from ODE

Check your certification/licensure history by clicking on the link listed below and entering your social security number and last name: Click Here

CREDENTIALS MAINTENANCE                                  

All certificates or licenses issued in Ohio have an effective date of July 1st of the year requested. The effective date is the date on which the certificate or license becomes valid and the educator is authorized to begin work. The issue date is individual to each certificate or license. It is the date on which all requirements have been reviewed, approved, and the certificate or license is issued. The issue date is the beginning date on which the educator may begin to earn credits toward the next renewal if an IPDP has been written and approved by an LPDC.

• Completion of the equivalent of six semester hours of coursework relevant to classroom teaching and/or the area of certification since the latest issue date of the certificate to be transitioned.

• Educators employed in the schools of Ohio must complete an approved Individual Professional Plan (IPDP), and meet all transition requirements through the Local Professional Development Committee (LPDC).

Requirements for the transition of a certificate that has lapsed for UP TO FIVE YEARS may be reinstated upon:

• Completion of nine semester hours (13.5 quarter hours) of coursework relevant to classroom teaching and/or the area of certification since the latest issue date of the certificate to be transitioned.

Requirements for the transition of a certificate that has lapsed for MORE THAN FIVE YEARS may be reinstated upon:

• Completion of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) of coursework relevant to the area of licensure since the issuance of the license to be renewed.

• Individuals who have not met the requirements for a renewal of their standard provisional or professional teaching license(s) may renew the license(s) with a limitation for substitute teaching only.

• The substitute limitation may be removed at any time by meeting the appropriate renewal requirements.

• Substitute licensees are issued by the Ohio Department of Education. Educators working under this license are not required to develop a professional development plan.  The substitute renews through the ODE with university coursework.

NEW  - HB1 Law effecting Ohio Teacher Licensure Beginning in January of 2011. 4-Tier Licensure Structure

Responsibility of the Local Professional Development Committee

The Local Professional Development Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving course work and other professional development activities that educators propose to complete for the purpose of license/certificate renewal The LPDC does not issue certificates or licenses; that authority is solely reserved for the ODE.

Responsibilities of the Educator

• Be informed (know license expiration date; know license renewal requirements)

• Abide by LPDC Procedures (meet timelines)

• Pursue quality learning experiences

• Maintain records

The committee meets on the first Wednesday of the month at Memorial Hall in the Anna Bier Room at 4:00 PM

In Ohio, LPDCs are charged with the process of guiding staff to identify clear goals that are accomplished through the performance of professional activities. These activities assist in enhancing the performance of professionals, and, when placed within the context of a multi-year plan, form the basis of a systematic approach to professional development that results in systemic improvement. According to the National Staff Development Council and the Ohio Department of Education, quality professional development is defined in seven guiding principles:

All educators must create an Individual Professional Development Plan (IPDP) that links coursework/CEUs to professional development goals and our GCS strategic plan. To transition a certificate or renew a license, all university coursework and CEU requests must be linked to the IPDP.  Also, IPDPs should be frequently updated to reflect your current certification/licensure needs.

To Convert a Certificate to a License, educators must provide evidence of IPDP success including:

• 6 semester hours of course work
  OR
• 18 Continuing Education Units (10 contact hours = 1 CEU)
  OR
• Other approved activities
  OR
• A combination of the above

LPDC Coursework/CEU Calculator.  Click here to see if you have the CEUs or Credits you need for your license renewal.

Persons certificated under prior standards maintain their subject areas, endorsements and grade levels under the five-year professional license.

Review the Continuing Education Unit Options document for guidance.

Requirements for the SECOND renewal of a professional TEACHER license:

Completion of a master's degree, or thirty semester hours of graduate credit, in classroom teaching and/or the area of licensure, with a minimum of six semester hours, 18 CEUs or equivalent activities completed during the second renewal cycle.

NOTE: The requirement of a master's degree or thirty semester hours shall pertain to any individual who is admitted to a licensure program at an approved college or university after July 1, 1998, and to any individual who is admitted to a licensure program prior to January 1, 1998, and who completes said program after July 1, 2002.

ODE Licensure Site

Conversion Table 3 quarter hours = 2 semester hours  3 CEU’s = 1 semester hour 2 CEU’s = 1 quarter hour To change quarter hours to semester hours, use this formula:   2/3(quarter hrs) = sem. hrs
Individual Educator Responsibilities Frequently Asked Questions about Certification and Licensure Know when your license or certificate is due for renewal Understand the LPDC's renewal criteria and procedures Write an Individual Professional Development Plan (IPDP)  (Have a current IPDP.  You need a new IPDP for every licensure cycle.) Obtain the LPDC's approval of the IPDP Professional Development must be completed after the issue date of the license to renew or certificate to transition AND after IPDP approval Complete the planned learning activities.  Ohio requires 6 semester hours of college credit or 18 CEU's (continuing education units) as defined by the LPDC between the  date the educator's license was issued and the date of expiry.  The educator is responsible for making sure that the learning activities match the approved IPDP. The same professional development may be used to renew multiple licenses Professional development requirements are based on new learning Educators are reminded that they are solely responsible for meeting their certification / licensure requirements. Part of that responsibility is maintaining accurate original records and files.    MORE All activities, coursework, workshops, committee work, National Board Certification, action research, mentoring, etc. MUST relate to the approved IPDP. Certifications Options Flowchart Applying for a License  ~-~ The process is as follows: Obtain an the ODE application from Mrs. Carol Riffle (Memorial Hall)  and bring it to your scheduled appointment with LPDC. Bring your copy of your approved IPDP. Bring original transcripts and/or CEU certificates. Bring a photocopy of your current certificate/license. Submit all of the above to the LPDC committee when you meet for your credentials review. Attach a check for the proper amount and bring the signed form back to Mrs. Carol Riffle. After you receive your new license, submit a new IPDP plan to the LPDC committee for your next renewal cycle. Frequently Asked Questions   The Role of the LPDC   Q.  Why should I have to wait on my district committee to approve my credentials when I know that everything is in order? A.  Because that is the law.  Effective with certificates that expired in 1998, all certificate and license renewals must be reviewed and approved by the district LPDC.  The Ohio Department of Education will not approve any application for renewal without the required form and signature of the Chairperson of the district LPDC, which would only come after an official vote of the district committee. Q.  Do I have to have an IPDP on file to get my first 5-year license? A.  No.  Educators in the first years of their career are issued a 2 year provisional license.  Once you pass the Praxis 3 assessment (or equivalent for administrators), you will submit an application to the LPDC to transition to your first five-year license.   Q.  What if I’d like to go into administration, counseling, or something that is not necessarily related to my teaching subject matter?  (7-12 science) A.  The purpose of the IPDP is to renew a certificate/license that you currently hold.  It is sometimes possible to accomplish both goals in the course of a master’s program.  It is recommended that you consult an LPDC member and seek pre-approval of any courses you want to apply to the IPDP prior to registration for the renewal of your current certificate. Q.  What if I have multiple certificates/licenses? A.  Make your plan general enough to cover all certificates/licenses in one IPDP. Q.  What is the Penalty for Late Renewal? A.  All certificates/licenses expire on June 30 of their expiration year.  You have until September 1 of that year to complete the renewal requirements.  After September 1, you must complete an additional three (3) semester hours of college coursework for a total of nine (9) semester hours or 27 CEUs. Q.  When Do I Write A New Professional Development Plan (IPDP)? A.  Once you have a five (5) year license, you will renew both your license and write a new PDP every five (5) years.  So, your current IPDP lasts as long as your current license.  When you renew your license, you also write a new IPDP.  Also, you need to revise your IPDP if: ·     You take a new job that is significantly different from your old job. ·     You change school districts. ·     You wish to write new goals. Q.  What if I am retiring this year? A.  Once you retire, you may wish to continue to keep your certificate/license active.  Once retired, you will not be using the services of the LPDC.  Rather, you will apply directly to the State Department of Education to renew your certificate/license.  Once you retire and are no longer employed by a school district, you can only use college credit to renew your certificate/licenses, unless you have had your CEU credit approved by the LPDC prior to your retirement.  If you wish to use CEUs that you earned while employed to renew your certificate/license, you must have those CEUs approved by the LPDC prior to your retirement!
Multiple Certificates/Licenses As long as coursework , CEUs, experience, etc. is completed after the issue date of a given certificate AND after the date of an approved IPDP, it may be used to renew any number of certificates or licenses an educator holds. Persons who hold multiple certificates will transition each certificate to a license when it comes due for renewal. An IDPD covers a period of time. A plan can be developed that addresses more than one area of certification or licensure if the activities align with the stated IPDP goals in an approved plan and the activities have taken place since the last issue date of the certificate to be transitioned. Certificates Expiring   Q.  Who does not need an IPDP? A. These individuals are not required by law to develop an IPDP: Those who hold a permanent certificate.  If they also hold other types of certificates, those will require an IPDP. Those who hold a certificate who still have a grace renewal as a certificate available to them and will renew with university hours. Those who hold a certificate who still have a grace renewal as a certificate available and will renew with workshop CEU’s approved by the district LPDC. These individuals are required by law to develop an IPDP: Those who hold a certificate and seek LPDC approval for non-workshop CEU credits to renew it as a certificate. Those who have received their last certificate (other than a permanent) and are working toward a license. All individuals who hold a license. Q.  Can an LPDC award retroactive credit to an educator who has not completed an IPDP prior to engaging in professional development activities? A.  NO!  Licensure Standards 3301-24-08(A)(c) state … “Each educator wishing to fulfill the license renewal requirements is responsible for the design of an individual professional development plan, subject to approval of the LPDC.”   LPDC’s cannot and will not grant retroactive approval. ODE Educator Licensure Applications Regulations resulting from Senate Bill 230:  Certification, Licensure, and the LPDC Senate Bill 230, approved by the Ohio Legislature and the State Board of Education in 1996, became effective for Ohio Educators on January 1, 1998 (for students entering university programs leading to licensure) and September 1, 1998 (for other applicable rules). The comprehensive provisions of Senate Bill 230  Eliminate “certificates” and replace them with “licenses.” • Permanent certificates will remain for an educator’s career; no permanent licenses will be issued. • Licenses issued will either be “provisional” (for entry year educators, who must pass a performance assessment to advance), or “professional” (the only license granted under the new rules, which lasts for 5 years, and is renewed with the appropriate professional development throughout an educator’s career. • Professional development linked to an educator’s area of licensure, the needs of students, and the goals of the school district are required. • The Local Professional Development Committee (LPDC)  operates under provisions approved by law and the Board of Education.  They are required to review and approve an Individual Professional Development Plan (IPDP) submitted by an educator that identifies his/her professional development goals. • The  LPDC  reviews and must approve coursework and locally issued CEUs that an educator wishes to use towards license renewal. • Only renewals of existing licenses go through the LPDC process. For licenses in new areas and endorsements to existing licenses educators should  check the ODE website for guidance.

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  This icon indicates a Microsoft Word document. Word must be installed on your local hard drive in order to open the document. You will need Microsoft Word to view the IPDP download.  If you do not have Microsoft Word, you may click below to download a Microsoft Word Viewer for free!  Microsoft Word Viewer                          

Greenville City Schools LPDC Guidelines You must read this document to understand your license renewal requirements.

ODE published the book Organizing for High Quality Professional Development which includes a rubric based on the Educator Standards to be used by LPDCs in evaluating IPDPs.  ODE created this document to address the issue of inconsistency in awarding PD credit for licensure renewal.  Please use this text as a resource in creating your IPDP, EOA's and in preparation for your records review. 

The intent of license renewal is to update and improve professional skills and knowledge. Educators should not rely upon scheduled staff development times and activities such as early release/delayed  starts, district inservices, professional release day activities or compensated summer session activities unless those activities are consistent with your pre-approved IPDP and will be implemented.  Implementation of new learning can be used to document achievement of your goals. 

Equivalent Other activities must meet the High Quality Professional Development standards.  Approval of CEUs is contingent upon completion of activity, appropriate documentation, and evidence of implementation as it relates to your IPDP goal.

GCS  IPDP Examples, Early Release 2/6/08

Use the IPDP form below when it is time for license renewal or if you revise an existing IPDP.  It is not necessary to re-write an existing "approved" IPDP.

A learning goal should contain a verb that relates to learning

Example Administrator's learning goal

         •   I will explore the use of whole-school study groups so that new ideas will be shared.

Appendix

Forms for License Renewal

Download IPDP forms in Word Document format below:

Format-Guidelines for IPDP Writing pdf

Individual Professional Development Plan for Teachers (IPDP form)

Woodland Primary Building Goals

Individual Professional Development Plan for Administrators (IPDP form)

IPDP Goals Reflection document required for Records Review word document

Individual  Professional Development Plan for Treasurer (IPDP)

IPDP Approval Rubric - Read the text "Organizing For High Quality Professional Development"

Request to Revise IPDP

Continuing Education Option Units (Equivalent Other Activities - EOA)  This table lists specific opportunities for earning CEUs. EOAs should be relevant to an educator's learning goals; aligned with the Ohio Standards for Teachers and Principals; Meet high quality professional development requirements; intentional and planned; carried out in a systematic way; able to be documented.

LPDCs make a distinction between random acts of learning and what is called job-embedded professional development.

Equivalent Other Activities that count toward licensure need to be relevant to an educator’s learning goals. In other words, if your networking is getting together every week with a colleague to talk over the weeks events, that’s not an EOA. If you meet with a colleague weekly to share  insights related to the subject of one of your learning goals, that is an EOA.

Equivalent Other Activities need to be intentional and planned. If another teacher tells you about a good way to teach topic sentences, that’s not an EOA even though you learned something. If you stated the intention in your IPDP to explore how colleagues teach writing, that is an EOA.

EOAs need to be carried out systematically. The fact that you read 12 books on education this summer is not an EOA. If you had an area of research in mind, had questions about your practice to guide you, and wrote down reflections and information that helped answer those questions, that is an EOA.

Finally, EOAs need to be activities you can document. Reflecting on your practice is not an EOA unless you plan to have some written or audiovisual record of your reflections. Networking is not an EOA unless you can produce some substantive records of the communications that occurred.

Pre-approval Equivalent Other Activity Proposal

EOA Evaluation Rubric (submit this with your EOA proposal)

EOA Required Reflection Page      

Activity Document Voucher  

Conversion Chart

Professional Activities Log The LPDC recommends that all educators keep a log of their professional development activities.

Renewal Worksheet Optional form for keeping a professional development log.

Forms for Providers

LPDC will discontinue using the Greenville City School’s CEU Provider Application form.  Employees who provide Professional Development will be responsible for issuing CEU’s based upon 10 contact hours = 1 CEU.

Certificate of Continuing Education Units

Forms for LPDC

IPDP Approval Rubric

LPDC Waiver for IPDP

LPDC Waiver for Expiring Certificate/License

Approval Verification form for Educators Leaving Greenville LPDC

Appeals Process Timeline

Other Helpful Resources

Tips on How to Write an IPDP (plan/proposal)      

Sample IPDP Goals    IPDP Goals Guide 

2 Year Early Childhood, Middle Grades and Intervention Specialist Flowchart

2 Year License Flowchart in the areas of Adolescent-Young Adult, Vocational, and Principal

Developing your Learning Goals

About College Credit/Semester Hours

About Equivalent Activities

Questions?  If you have questions regarding GCS LPDC forms contact the LPDC Member in your building. For more information check ODE Teacher Education Licensure Rules.

ODE Center for the Teaching Profession:  Certification and Licensure Dictionary

2009-2010 Meeting Dates and Minutes - Meetings begin at 4:00 PM                                                                         

• May be renewed one time before 9/2/06.
• 12 semester hours or 36 CEU’s or a combination is required.
• Reduce one semester hour or 3 CEU’s for each year of experience.
• After one renewal, 6 semester hours/18 CEU’s required for the 5-year license.
• May be converted to a permanent certificate before 9/2/03.
• 5 years experience working under the professional certificate to be upgraded.
• 12 semester hours since the original professional certificate was issued and a master’s degree.
• September 2, 2006:  Last date on which 8-year professional certificates are issued.

Permanent Certificates

• No Longer Issused

• Provisional license (or conversion from a certificate)
• Success in Entry Year and performance assessments (Praxis III and Pathwise).

• 6 semester hours or 18 CEU’s or a combination required.
• Everything approved by LPDC based upon IPDP.

• Further professional license renewals occur every 5 years with a required 6 semester hours and/or 18 CEU’s or a combination.
• Remember there is never a reduction of hours due to experience with a license.