How to Become a Teacher in Columbus
Columbus, the capital city of Ohio, is home to the state’s largest public school district, Columbus City Schools (CCS). This district oversees 113 schools and serves over 46,000 children.1 To become a teacher with CCS, you need to be certified with the Ohio State Board of Education (SBOE). Continue reading to find out more about Columbus teaching jobs and resources.
Table of Contents
- CCS Steps for Becoming a Teacher
- How to Become a Substitute Teacher
- Private and Charter School Teacher Requirements
- The Largest Columbus K-12 Schools
- Teacher Salary and Jobs Outlook
- Additional Resources
- Frequently Asked Questions
Columbus City Schools Steps for Becoming a Teacher
Columbus teachers must meet the statewide requirements for teaching certification, including completing a bachelor’s degree and a teacher preparation program with in-class teaching experience. Once you have finished the educational requirements, you will need to pass the Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) to earn an initial license. As you gain more experience, you may be eligible for an advanced license. See our Ohio teacher certification page for more information.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you can earn a salary while completing an alternative teaching certification program through a flexible, internship-style arrangement that will fulfill certification requirements. See our Ohio alternative teacher certification page to learn more.
Hiring for K-12 public school teaching positions in Columbus is overseen by the CCS. CCS has established the following steps for prospective teachers in the city’s public schools:
Step 1: Complete the online application.
The first step is to search for job opportunities using the CCS Jobs website. To view teaching openings, you must create an account and click on the list from the home page. You must submit a separate application for each position of interest.
Step 2: Attend an interview with a school leader or panel.
Each school reviews applications for open positions. If your application is successful, you will likely be invited to attend an interview with the school administration. You may need to bring additional documents or prepare sample lesson plans. The school will tell you what to prepare.
Step 3: Complete the hiring process.
If the school decides to hire you, you will receive an offer and will need to complete administrative paperwork before beginning to teach. The school will advise you on the exact requirements including any required orientation events or documents.
Contact Information
Columbus City Schools
270 E State St
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 365-5000
https://www.ccsoh.us
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColumbusCitySchools
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colscityschools/
X (formerly known as Twitter): https://x.com/ColsCitySchools
Teacher Certification Programs in Columbus
The colleges and universities below offer teacher preparation programs that can prepare you for first-time teacher certification as well as additional endorsements. You can read more about teaching programs in the state on our Ohio education schools page.
- Capital University
- Franklin University
- Ohio Dominican University
- Ohio State University
- Otterbein University
How to Become a Substitute Teacher With the Columbus School District
Candidates for substitute teaching positions in Columbus must have a Standard Substitute Teaching License with the SBOE, which requires a bachelor’s degree and passing a background check. Candidates without a bachelor’s degree can work as a substitute teacher under a Temporary Non-Bachelor’s Degree Substitute Teaching License, which is issued at the request of an Ohio school or district. You can find substitute teaching positions on the CCS Job Board.
Private and Charter School Teacher Requirements in Columbus
Sometimes private and charter schools have different hiring requirements than public schools. State teacher certification may not be required in private or charter schools, especially if you have relevant experience or expertise. Be sure to check with individual schools as hiring requirements vary.
The Largest K-12 Schools in Columbus
The following table will help you compare the largest public, private, and charter schools in Columbus based on various factors.2
| School | Type | Grade Level | # Students | Student-Teacher Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starling STEM PreK-8 | Public | PK-8 | 632 | 20:1 |
| Liberty Elementary School | Public | PK-5 | 549 | 22:1 |
| Olde Orchard Elementary School | Public | K-5 | 545 | 24:1 |
| Woodward Park Middle School | Public | 6-8 | 866 | 23:1 |
| Dominion Middle School | Public | 6-8 | 618 | 18:1 |
| Ridgeview Middle School | Public | 6-8 | 573 | 18:1 |
| Northland High School | Public | 9-12 | 1,001 | 17:1 |
| South High School | Public | 7-12 | 973 | 17:1 |
| Briggs High School | Public | 9-12 | 964 | 19:1 |
| KIPP Journey Academy | Charter | K-10 | 1,194 | 36:1 |
| Columbus Preparatory Academy | Charter | K-11 | 744 | 16:1 |
| Imagine Great Western Academy | Charter | K-8 | 721 | 21:1 |
| Bishop Watterson High School | Private | 9-12 | 1,033 | 17:1 |
| St. Francis DeSales High School | Private | 9-12 | 811 | 11:1 |
| Bishop Hartley High School | Private | 9-12 | 673 | 16:1 |
Columbus Teacher Salary and Jobs Outlook
The starting annual Columbus teacher salary was $55,000 for the 2024-2025 school year.1 Teachers with more experience and an advanced degree may receive higher salaries, with periodic step increases for their employment with the CCS.
The table below compares various classroom teaching roles in Columbus by the total number employed, median salary, 90th percentile annual salary, and 10-year job growth projections. Note SPED is an abbreviation for special education.
| Teacher type | # Employed3 | Median Annual Salary3 | 90th Percentile Annual Salary3 | Proj. Job Growth 2020-304 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten Teachers | 500 | $83,670 | $102,010 | 11.6% |
| Elementary School Teachers | 10,170 | $80,450 | $108,750 | 11.1% |
| Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers, SPED | 2,220 | $75,910 | $111,190 | 11.3% |
| Middle School Teachers | 3,970 | $82,410 | $103,740 | 11.1% |
| Middle School Teachers, SPED | 1,180 | $62,860 | $102,950 | 11.1% |
| Secondary School Teachers | 11,170 | $80,000 | $106,140 | 11.6% |
| Secondary School Teachers, Career/Technical Education | N.Av. | $85,800 | $111,440 | 9.7% |
| Secondary School Teachers, SPED | 1,980 | $67,710 | $97,680 | 11.5% |
Columbus Teacher Shortage Areas
The US Department of Education bases some student loan forgiveness programs on teacher shortage areas, meaning that your chances of qualifying for loan forgiveness may be stronger if you teach a subject formally identified as a shortage area. You may also qualify for other funding opportunities or a more competitive salary based on endorsements in those areas. Note that shortage areas may change from year to year, so you should check with state education agencies, your selected education program, and your student loan providers about funding options. You can find a list of teacher shortage areas in the state on our Ohio certification guide.
Additional Resources
- Central Ohio Association of Catholic Educators (COACE): Promotes Catholic education and represents diocesan teachers across the Central Ohio area.
- Columbus Education Association (CEA Ohio): Works to improve conditions and benefits for teachers in Columbus and the surrounding communities.
- Ohio Association of Public School Employees (OAPSE): The statewide union for public school teachers and other eligible educators, representing over 34,000 members in 480 local unions.
Columbus Teaching Jobs Boards
Check online job boards like those below frequently to find new job postings throughout the year. You can also search our jobs board to find teaching jobs in the Columbus area.
- Catholic Diocese of Columbus: Teaching Vacancies
- Columbus City Schools Job Board
- Ohio Department of Education & Workforce Education Jobs
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is the starting Columbus City Schools teacher salary?
Answer: For the 2024-2025 school year, first-year teachers with a bachelor’s degree began at a salary of $55,500 plus benefits.1 First-year teachers with a master’s degree entered at a higher salary level, at $61,500 per year.1 At all levels, CCS teachers earn annual cost-of-living pay increases from year to year.
Question: What is the substitute teacher pay in Columbus?
Answer: Substitute teacher pay in Columbus is calculated on an hourly basis. The daily rate for subs with a Substitute License during the 2022-2023 school year was $18 per hour, while long-term subs (in the same assignment for over 60 consecutive days) earned $33.40 per hour.1
Question: Where can I find out more about Columbus teacher job fairs?
Answer: You can find information about teacher job fairs in Columbus on the CCS Jobs website.
References:
1. Columbus City Schools: https://www.ccsoh.us/domain/154
2. Niche, Largest Schools in Columbus: https://www.niche.com/k12/search/largest-schools/t/columbus-franklin-oh/
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Columbus, OH: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_18140.htm
4. Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Ohio Job Outlook: https://ohiolmi.com/Home/Projections/ProjectionsHome