Rep. Lightbody announces passage of her bipartisan legislation to bring former teachers back to the classroom

COLUMBUS– State Rep. Mary Lightbody (D-Westerville) announced that the House of Representatives unanimously passed House Bill (HB) 554. This legislation would establish a process for teachers with expired professional teacher's certificates and professional educator licenses to obtain a temporary educator license from the Ohio Board of Education.  

“This important legislation will help alleviate Ohio’s teacher shortage and provide students with instruction from teachers with significant relevant experience both inside and outside the classroom,” said Rep. Lightbody. “We must provide additional opportunities for educators to join and re-enter the profession in order to provide a quality education for all Ohio students.” 

This legislation will simplify the process for former licensed teachers in good standing to return to the classroom after working in other professions. Returning teachers would be able to renew their license with any applicable endorsements and return to the classroom while concurrently completing either 18 continuing education units (180 contact hours) or 6 semester hours of coursework. 

HB 554 now moves to the Ohio Senate for further hearings.