Pre-Service Teacher Permit

Welcome to Our Team!

Thank you for being interested in becoming a Substitute Teacher.

If you are enrolled in an educator preparation program that leads to an Ohio license and will be in an Ohio PK-12 classroom as part of your course, follow these steps to begin your journey as a substitute teacher. 

**Please note that the pre-service teacher permit is valid only while the candidate is enrolled in the educator preparation program. Candidates who are no longer enrolled in their educator preparation program and have not yet applied for the Resident Educator license should apply for a substitute teaching license (at the request of the employing school or district) if employed in that capacity.

**Out of State–candidates completing educator preparation programs at colleges or universities outside of Ohio are not eligible for the Pre-Service Teacher Permit. Instead, they may apply for a Temporary Substitute Teaching license through Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Development (ODEW).

**Pre-Service Teacher Permits are obtained by using the IRN of your college or university.

**If you do not meet the criteria to obtain a Pre-Service Teacher Permit follow the steps below:

Note that effective Fall 2025, all students are required to hold an active Pre-Service Teacher Permit even if they hold an active credential issued by the State Board of Education of Ohio (with the exception of Resident Educator and Professional license holders).

Step 1: Obtain a District Recommendation (Required For Everyone, including those that have a Pre-Service Teacher Permit)  📞

  • Contact the school district’s HR office, usually the District HR Director, where you would wish to substitute during the current school year.
  • Request a recommendation to serve as a Non-bachelor substitute using a Pre-Service Teacher Permit or 1-Year Temporary Substitute License.
  • Provide the district with your name, phone number, and email address.
  • Once the district submits your recommendation to one of the HR Specialist Anna Hennig (BCESC), Angela Siemer (BCESC) or Donna Hamilton, the HR Specialist will contact you via email with the next steps in the onboarding process.

Step 2. If you do not hold a valid Pre-Service Teacher Permit apply for a 1-Year Temporary Substitute License.

Visit the OH|ID portal and select “Apply for a License” to submit your application. 🔍
-When asked for a Superintendent’s signature, enter one of the following IRN numbers:

  • Butler County ESC (IRN # 046086)
  • Warren County ESC (IRN # 050401)
    • Do NOT select the individual school district where intend to substitute.
  • Pre-Service Teacher Permit (1-Year) $40
  • Pre-Service Teacher Permit (3-Year) $75

Step 3. Complete Background Checks (BCI/FBI)  📧

  • If your BCI/FBI background checks were completed within 365 days, and have the appropriate code we will accept those copies.
  • If your BCI/FBI background checks are older than 365 days, or has not been completed, a new BCI and FBI background checks are required.

Background Check Locations and Codes:

Step 4. Your License and Background Check

  • Once ODE issues your Pre-Service Teacher Permit and your BCI/FBI background checks are processed, email your assigned HR specialist to begin the online employment application process.
    Butler County ESC:                                                  Warren County ESC
    Anna Hennig henniga@bcesc.org                     Donna Hamilton Donna.Hamilton@warrencountyesc.com
    Angela Siemer Angela.Siemer@bcesc.org
  • You will be required to upload one of the following documents in the “Certification” form of the online application.
    • A copy of your high school diploma, or
    • A copy of your GED certificate, or
    • A copy of your transcripts showing completed college coursework.

Step 5. Complete the Online Substitute New Hire Packet 📋

  • You will receive an email from NoReplyCogSubs with instructions to complete the Substitute New Hire Packet online.
  • After completing the online forms, email your assigned HR specialist to confirm your submission.

Step 6. Complete the Substitute Teacher Orientation & Fraud Course in Public School Works 🖥️
-You will receive an email from Public School Works to set up your PSW account.
-You are required to complete the following two required online courses:
–Substitute Teacher Orientation (30 minute training video)
–Fraud Reporting & Training-Ohio Auditor of State
-Once both online courses are finished, email your assigned HR Specialist to confirm completion.

Remaining PSW trainings must be completed by the “due date”.
-PSW accounts are reviewed each summer to ensure compliance with annual training requirements.
-Failure to complete all required annual trainings will result in temporary suspension of your Frontline account until all trainings are fulfilled.

Step 7. Set Up Your Frontline Absence Management Account 🖥️
–You will receive an email from your assigned HR Specialist with instructions to create your Frontline Absence Management Account.
–For a refresher on how to set up your Frontline account, please refer to our Substitute Teacher Orientation Video.