Navigating ODE Education Jobs: Definitions, Licenses, and Opportunities

The Ohio Department of Education (ODE) plays a crucial role in shaping the educational landscape of the state. Understanding the specific terminology, licensure requirements, and opportunities within ODE education jobs is essential for both aspiring and current educators. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of these aspects, particularly focusing on Career-Technical Workforce Development (CTWD) pathways.

Understanding Key Definitions

Several key terms are fundamental to understanding ODE education jobs, especially within the realm of Career-Technical Education (CTE).

CTE-37 Form: This is an ODE form that signifies a school district's hiring of a new CTE teacher. It serves as both an employment verification form and a program verification form. The CTE-37 form is completed when a teacher is first hired as a Career Technical teacher and again when the teacher is eligible to apply for the CTE professional license. The CTE teacher, the school district superintendent, and the designated university official (e.g., Dr. Davison Mupinga) are all required to electronically sign the CTE-37 form. The school district retains this form on file; it is not sent to KSU.

Career-Technical Workforce Development (CTWD) License: This represents a non-traditional route to obtaining a teaching license, specifically tailored for Career-Technical education. This pathway recognizes and values a candidate's practical work experience and professional expertise.

NOCTI (The National Occupational Competency Testing Institute): NOCTI provides testing services for CTE teachers, enabling them to validate their work experience. The credits earned through these exams can then be applied toward a bachelor's degree, potentially granting between 12 and 24 college credit hours.

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Exploring Career-Technical Workforce Development (CTWD) Licenses

The ODE offers several types of licenses designed to support and regulate Career-Technical Workforce Development educators. These licenses acknowledge the unique skills and experiences that industry professionals bring to the classroom.

Two-Year Provisional Career-Technical Workforce Development License

This license is specifically designed for individuals with industry experience who have been hired by an Ohio school district to teach a Career-Technical subject. This license allows the teacher to teach while completing the necessary university coursework, as well as fulfilling all school district and Ohio Department of Education licensure requirements. Upon successful completion of these requirements, the teacher can then apply for a Five-Year Advanced Career-Technical Workforce Development license.

One-Year Supplemental License for Career-Technical Workforce Development

This license caters to currently licensed Ohio teachers seeking to expand their expertise into career-technical workforce development programs or Career-Based Intervention programs. The license allows them to teach in these specialized areas while they complete the required university coursework.

Five-Year Advanced Career-Technical Workforce Development License

This is the advanced license that teachers can obtain after completing an ODE licensure program. The application process is determined by the specific licensure path the teacher has followed.

Background Checks: Ensuring Student Safety

The Ohio Department of Education prioritizes the safety and well-being of students. As such, all initial applicants for a teaching license are required to undergo both Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) criminal background checks.

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Educators renewing a license or permit who have resided continuously in Ohio for the past five years and have a BCI background check already on file with ODE are required to complete only an FBI criminal background check once every five years.

Even educators holding permanent certificates must submit the required background checks every five years. This requirement extends to all volunteers who work with students, underscoring the commitment to creating a safe learning environment.

Opportunities Beyond Teaching

While teaching positions are central to ODE education jobs, other crucial roles support the educational ecosystem. For instance, districts like Lakewood City Schools often require substitute paraprofessionals/educational assistants, lunch monitors, and health aides. Opportunities may also exist in Nutrition Services and building cleaning.

The CTE-37 Form in Detail

The CTE-37 form plays a vital role in the Career-Technical Education landscape in Ohio. When a school district hires a new CTE teacher, this form is initiated. It serves two primary purposes:

Employment Verification: The form confirms that the individual has been officially hired by the school district as a Career Technical teacher.
Program Verification: It also verifies that the teacher will be working within an approved Career-Technical program.

The CTE-37 form is completed at two key points in a CTE teacher's career:

Initial Hiring: When the teacher is first employed as a Career Technical teacher.
License Application Eligibility: When the teacher becomes eligible to apply for the CTE professional license.

The form requires electronic signatures from three key individuals:

The CTE teacher themselves.
The school district superintendent.
The designated university official (e.g., Dr. Davison Mupinga).

It's important to note that the completed CTE-37 form is retained by the school district and is not submitted to KSU.

The Role of NOCTI in CTE Teacher Development

The National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) offers a valuable service to CTE teachers in Ohio. Through NOCTI's testing services, CTE teachers can:

Verify Work Experience: Demonstrate and validate their practical skills and knowledge gained through professional experience.
Earn College Credit: Apply the credits earned through NOCTI exams toward a bachelor's degree.

Depending on the specific exams and the policies of the accepting institution, CTE teachers can potentially earn between 12 and 24 college credit hours through NOCTI. This can significantly accelerate their progress toward degree completion and professional advancement.

Navigating the Licensure Process

Obtaining and maintaining the appropriate licensure is crucial for educators in Ohio. The ODE offers various pathways to licensure, depending on an individual's background, experience, and educational goals.

Initial Licensure

For those seeking their initial teaching license, the process typically involves:

Completing an Approved Educator Preparation Program: This could be a traditional university-based program or an alternative pathway program.
Passing Required Examinations: This includes the Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) tests.
Submitting a License Application: Including transcripts, test scores, and background check results.

Renewal and Advancement

Once a license is obtained, it must be renewed periodically. Renewal requirements typically include:

Completing Continuing Education Units (CEUs): Demonstrating ongoing professional development.
Meeting Performance Standards: As evaluated by the school district.
Submitting a Renewal Application: Along with the required documentation.

Educators can also advance their licenses by pursuing further education, such as a master's degree or additional endorsements.

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