Senate restores three‑tier teacher licensure bands, citing teacher preparation and dual‑licensure concerns
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Summary
Senate Bill 144 passed the Senate unanimously to reinstate a three‑tier educator licensure structure (pre‑K–5, 4–8, 7–12) after sponsors said recent consolidation of grade bands weakened teacher preparation and threatened dual‑licensure programs. Sponsors said the change balances flexibility with preparation needs.
The Ohio Senate voted unanimously to restore a three‑tier grade‑band structure for educator licensure, undoing a consolidation adopted in prior legislation. Supporters said the change will improve teacher preparation and preserve dual‑licensure pathways.
Senator Ingram, sponsor of Senate Bill 144, said consolidation under House Bill 33 created situations where a teacher preparing to teach first grade could be expected to teach eighth grade under the expanded grade bands, undermining preparation. The bill would reestablish a pre‑K–5 grade band, create a 4–8 generalist license, maintain a 7–12 band, and preserve a two‑year superintendent flexibility provision for assignments outside a teacher’s grade band.
Senator Brenner, who supported the bill, said the change also preserves programs that prepare teachers for both general and special education and helps districts implement reading and math remediation policies. The clerk recorded a roll call with 32 yeas and 0 nays; President Macaulay announced the bill “is passed and entitled.”
Supporters said higher education institutions, teacher associations and deans of education supported restoring the bands to protect teacher preparation programs and dual‑licensure options.