Changes have been made to our professional licenses based on state law. In 2009, Ohio passed House Bill 1 that will affect every public school teacher in the State. One of the big changes for teachers is a requirement that each district assemble a Master Teacher Committee that will communicate ways teachers may earn advanced professional licenses. The Master Teacher Program allows teachers to demonstrate their practice based on the Ohio Standards for the Teaching Profession. This information sheet will outline what our district process is and will explain why a teacher might be interested in undergoing this option.

NEW LICENSES

Teachers may continue renewing their five-year professional licenses for the rest of their careers. In fact, due to a changes in HB1, teachers may renew this type of license without earning a Master's Degree. Requirements for advanced licenses still require teachers to follow their personal five year plan in their IPDP with a minimum of six hours of graduate level coursework or equivalent.

Teachers may earn a five-year Senior Professional Educator License if they have a Master's Degree in education; nine years licensed teaching with at least five years under a professional license or permanent certificate, and successful completion of the Master Teacher Portfolio.

Teachers may also earn a five-year Lead Professional Educator License if they have already met the requirements for the Senior Professional Educator License and have earned the new Teacher Leader Endorsement through an accredited institution OR hold an active National Board Certification.

MASTER TEACHER

A master teacher demonstrates excellence inside and outside of the classroom through consistent leadership and focused collaboration to maximize student learning. A master teacher strives for distinguished teaching and continued professional growth as specified by the Standards for Ohio Teachers. (Ohio Department of Education, Spring 2010)

Master Teacher candidates, who have worked at least seven years under a teaching contract, apply to earn this designation through a portfolio they will develop throughout the school year. There are five focus areas in the portfolio that need to be supported by evidence: Consistent Leadership; Focused Collaboration; Distinguished Teaching – Focus on Students and Environment; and Continued Professional Growth. There is no cost to apply, but to be done properly the portfolio will take some time to prepare.