Alternative Licensure Program

In partnership with the Ohio Department of Education, Hamilton County ESC has developed a dynamic, research-based licensure program. This program enables administrators who hold an Alternative Principal or Specialist / Superintendent License the opportunity to complete the requirements for a provisional or professional license, respectively. It has been designed with job-embedded learning opportunities that will inform your real work as a busy administrator.

Continuous support through mentoring,
coaching, and structured check-ins.

Practical leadership skills,
strategic knowledge, and mentorship.

Clear guidelines and expectations
for self-designed learning experiences.

Professional Principal
License Requirements

  • Mentor assigned who holds a standard principal license or has served as a principal
  • Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) Self-Assessment* and Personal Learning Plan*
  • 6 semester hours in School Law and School Supervision and Teacher Evaluation*
  • Additional 6 semester hours or 90 clock hours of professional development*
  • 3 years successful experience under alternative principal license
  • Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Educational Leadership Exam #015)
  • Additional requirements for candidates without a Master’s degree or teaching experience under a standard teaching license

*Requirement fulfilled through Hamilton County ESC’s Alternative Licensure Program

Professional Administrative
Specialist License Requirements

  • Mentor assigned 70 hours during years 1 & 2
  • Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) Self-Assessment* and Personal Learning Plan*
  • 9 semester hours in School Law and School Finance OR 6 semester hours and 45 clock hours of professional development*
  • Additional 6 semester hours or 90 clock hours of professional development*
  • 4 years of successful experience under the alternative administrative license
  • Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Educational Leadership Exam #015)
  • Additional requirements for candidates without a Master’s degree or teaching experience under a standard teaching license

*Requirement fulfilled through Hamilton County ESC’s Alternative Licensure Program

An 18-month online preparation program designed to support the transition from an alternative license to a five-year professional license.


Program includes:

  • Online modules and required coursework, including School Law and School Finance.
  • Job-embedded assignments connected to candidates’ current administrative responsibilities.
  • Development of leadership skills aligned to administrative competencies.
  • Creation of a Professional Learning Plan informed by leadership assessments and the ISLLC Standards.
  • State-approved in Ohio
  • One online meeting per month
  • Tracking system to document professional development hours.
  • Credit through Ashland University

Program Requirements: This program is for current principals and administrative specialists on an alternative license who want to transition to a five-year professional license.


Program Cost: $3,700 payable to Hamilton County ESC billed in 3
installments over 18 months.

$1,062 payable to Ashland University – Credit Hours: 6 (Tuition
is for 2 three-hour courses).

Contact

Lisa Miller
513.674.4512
lisa.e.miller@hcesc.org