Ohio Substitute Teacher Requirements
5
Required Items
2
Optional/Recommended
Education Requirements
Ohio requires substitute teachers to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution to obtain a standard substitute teaching license. Candidates without a bachelor's degree may qualify for an Alternative Authorized Substitute One-year License (AASOL) if they meet specific district-sponsored requirements, including having completed some college coursework. Official transcripts are required for all applicants.
Background Check
Ohio mandates a Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and FBI criminal background check for all substitute teacher applicants. Fingerprinting must be completed through an approved vendor such as a WebCheck location. Results are submitted directly to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODE). Applicants with disqualifying offenses will be denied licensure.
Age Requirements
Substitute teachers in Ohio must be at least 18 years of age to apply for a substitute teaching license. This requirement applies to both the standard substitute license and the AASOL pathway.
Application Process
Applicants must apply for a substitute teaching license through the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce's online CORE system. The application requires uploading official transcripts, completing background checks, and paying applicable fees. Once a license is issued, candidates may apply directly to school districts for assignments. The license is valid statewide.
Substitute Teaching License
Ohio issues a Substitute Teaching License through ODE that is valid for up to five years and is renewable. The standard license requires a bachelor's degree, while the AASOL is a one-year, district-specific alternative for candidates without a degree. Both license types authorize the holder to serve in public school classrooms under specific conditions outlined by ODE.
Training/Orientation
Training requirements for substitute teachers in Ohio are determined at the district level. Many districts require substitutes to complete an orientation covering school policies, safety protocols, and classroom management techniques. Some districts partner with third-party staffing agencies that provide their own onboarding and training programs.
References
While ODE does not mandate references for licensure, individual school districts in Ohio often require professional references as part of the local hiring process. Typically two to three references from educators, supervisors, or other professional contacts are requested.
For more information, visit the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce - Licensure.
Substitute teaching guides for Ohio
City pay, district size, and the steps to apply in Ohio.
Ohio topics
Cities in Ohio
- Substitute teaching in Akron
- Substitute teaching in Canton
- Substitute teaching in Cincinnati
- Substitute teaching in Cleveland
- Substitute teaching in Columbus
- Substitute teaching in Cuyahoga Falls
- Substitute teaching in Dayton
- Substitute teaching in Dublin
- Substitute teaching in Elyria
- Substitute teaching in Hamilton
- Substitute teaching in Kettering
- Substitute teaching in Lakewood
- Substitute teaching in Lorain
- Substitute teaching in Mentor
- Substitute teaching in Parma
- Substitute teaching in Springfield
- Substitute teaching in Strongsville
- Substitute teaching in Toledo
- Substitute teaching in Westerville
- Substitute teaching in Youngstown
School districts in Ohio
- Akron Public Schools
- Canton City School District
- Cincinnati Public Schools
- Cleveland Metropolitan School District
- Columbus City Schools
- Dayton Public Schools
- Dublin City School District
- Hilliard City School District
- Lakota Local School District
- Olentangy Local School District
- South-Western City School District
- Toledo Public Schools
Recommended training
$89one-time
- 45 self-paced lessons for day-one classroom confidence
- Ready-to-use scripts, routines, and downloadable tools
- Certificate of completion to share with districts
- Access while the course is offered — one-time payment
Professional training with a certificate of completion. This does not replace your state's substitute permit or license. *Refund within 7 days if you have completed less than 20% of the course. Grab the free checklist if you are not ready to enroll.