Complete guide to Ohio's CEU requirements, LPDC approval process, IPDP planning, and OTES 2.0 evaluation alignment for professional license renewal.
Ohio educators must renew their 5-year Professional Educator License by completing approved professional development activities. Unlike many states, Ohio uses a unique Local Professional Development Committee (LPDC) system where local committees approve and verify all professional development.
Before beginning any coursework or CEU activities, educators must have an approved Individual Professional Development Plan (IPDP) on file with their LPDC. Credits earned without IPDP approval may not count toward renewal.
Your Individual Professional Development Plan must be approved by your LPDC before you earn credits. Activities completed before IPDP approval may not be accepted for renewal.
Ohio educators currently employed in Ohio schools may choose from three options (or a combination) to meet renewal requirements:
Six semester hours of coursework related to classroom teaching and/or your area of licensure from an accredited institution.
Eighteen CEUs (equal to 180 contact hours) of professional development activities approved by your LPDC.
Other equivalent activities related to classroom teaching as approved by your Local Professional Development Committee.
Note: Coursework, CEUs, and other equivalent activities may be combined to meet renewal requirements. Work with your LPDC to ensure your combination meets the equivalent of 6 semester hours.
If you are not currently employed in an Ohio public school, chartered nonpublic school, or community school, you cannot use CEUs for renewal. Only semester hours are accepted.
6 semester hours (or 9 quarter hours) of coursework relevant to classroom teaching and/or your area of licensure. Must be completed prior to September 1 of the expiration year.
If coursework is not completed by September 1, the requirement increases to 9 semester hours (or 13.5 quarter hours).
Ohio's Local Professional Development Committee system gives local educators authority over professional development approval. Here's how the process works:
Develop an Individual Professional Development Plan that outlines your professional goals and planned activities for the renewal period.
Submit your IPDP to your Local Professional Development Committee for review and approval before beginning any activities.
Complete professional development activities as outlined in your approved IPDP. Keep documentation of all activities.
Your LPDC reviews your completed activities and verifies they meet renewal requirements before ODE will process your application.
Submit your renewal application to ODE after receiving LPDC verification. Applications should be submitted by October 1 of the expiration year.
Ohio's Teacher Evaluation System (OTES) 2.0 is designed as a professional growth model. The system evaluates teachers across 6 domains and is fully implemented for 2024-2025. Aligning your IPDP with OTES domains strengthens your professional development.
Standards, lesson goals, and student engagement.
Using data to guide instruction and measure growth.
Building on student background and experiences.
Understanding diverse learner needs.
Creating safe, respectful learning spaces.
Collaboration, communication, and growth.
Deadline for non-employed educators to complete coursework (6 semester hours). After this date, requirement increases to 9 hours.
Final deadline to submit renewal application with all coursework complete. After this date, requirement increases to 9 semester hours.
OTES evaluations must be completed. Final evaluation report due by May 10.
Your LPDC is typically associated with your employing school district or Educational Service Center (ESC). Contact your district's HR department or regional ESC to locate your assigned LPDC.
Yes, if you are employed in an Ohio school under LPDC oversight. You can combine coursework, CEUs, and other LPDC-approved activities to meet the equivalent of 6 semester hours.
Your IPDP and accumulated credits should transfer with you. Contact your new district's LPDC to ensure your records are properly transferred and your plan is updated if needed.
No. Ohio does not reduce coursework or professional development requirements based on work experience. All educators must complete the full requirement regardless of years of service.
1 CEU equals 10 contact hours. Therefore, 18 CEUs equals 180 contact hours of professional development.
Classroom Walkthroughs helps Ohio educators track CEUs, document LPDC-approved activities, and align professional development with OTES 2.0 domains.
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