Licensure

New Licensure 

LPDC Coordinator:
Ashley Shepherd
📞 419-399-4711 ext. 205
📧 ashepherd@wbesc.org

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License Types:

• Professional

• Initial

• Alternative

• Supplement

• Aide

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Step 1: Apply Online

🔗 Click here to access the license application on the ODE website
You must complete and submit your application online, including payment, through the Ohio Department of Education system.

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Step 2: BCI & FBI Background Check

ODE requires both BCI and FBI fingerprint checks for licensure.
Call 419-399-4711 to schedule your fingerprinting appointment.

Fingerprinting Details:

• Cost: $35 (BCI) + $35 (FBI) = $70 (if both are required)

• Location: Western Buckeye ESC office in Paulding or Van Wert

• What to Bring: Valid driver’s license or state-issued ID

• Payment Methods: Cash or check (made payable to Western Buckeye ESC)

• 🔗 Click here to review the ODE background check requirements

Check our homepage for current business hours. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome.

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Step 3: IPDP Requirement (for 5-Year Licenses)

To apply for a five-year license, you must have an approved Individual Professional Development Plan (IPDP) on file. Contact the LPDC Coordinator for questions about your IPDP status.

License Renewal Information

LPDC Coordinator:
Ashley Shepherd
📞 419-399-4711 ext. 205
📧 ashepherd@wbesc.org

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Overview

To renew your five-year license, you must:

• Complete an online application

• Provide proof of professional development, which includes:

  • 6 semester hours of coursework OR

  • 18 CEUs of professional development OR

  • 180 clock hours of equivalent activities,

  • Or a combination approved in your IPDP by the LPDC committee.

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Step 1: Verify Approved IPDP Plan

Verify you have an approved IPDP plan for your current license cycle in the LPDP kiosk and approved activities to meet the renewal requirements.

✅ Required Items:

1. A copy of your current license or certificate

2. Your most recent IPDP (approved by the LPDC committee)

3. Verification Forms for activities listed on the CEU Option Chart

4. Transcripts (official or unofficial) for any college coursework

5. Certificates of Attendance for CEU activities

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Step 2: FBI/BCI Fingerprinting

Fingerprinting must be current for your license to be renewed.

📍 Location: Western Buckeye ESC
🕒 Hours:

• Monday–Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
  📞 Call 419-399-4711 to schedule an appointment

💲 Cost:

• BCI: $35

• FBI: $35

Bring: A valid driver’s license or state-issued ID (do not bring your teaching license)
💵 Accepted Payment: Cash or check (payable to Western Buckeye ESC)

❗ Note: Your license will be denied by ODE if current fingerprints are not on file.

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Step 3: Complete the Online Renewal Application

• Submit your application online through ODE's portal

Your license will be electronically signed by the LPDC Coordinator. Once signed, you can download and print a copy of your renewed license.

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🔄 Start Your New IPDP

After renewal, you must complete a new IPDP for the next five-year license cycle.

Writing an Individual Professional Development Plan (IPDP)

LPDC Coordinator:
Ashley Shepherd
📞 419-399-4711 ext. 205
📧 ashepherd@wbesc.org

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Why Write an IPDP?

To renew your license, you must complete:

• 180 clock hours of professional development

• 18 CEUs of professional development

• 6 semester hours of coursework

• Or any combination approved in your IPDP by the LPDP committee

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Any professional development activities completed before the IPDP submission date will not be accepted. Be sure to submit your IPDP before beginning CEU or coursework activities.

Your building's LPDC committee members can help guide you through this process.

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Step 1: Gather Required Information

Before writing your plan, have the following documents available:

1. Your current Professional Growth Plan goals (if applicable)

2. Your district’s current and projected goals

3. A copy of your new license

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Step 2: Complete the Online IPDP Form

🔗 Click here to access the IPDP Form 

After opening the form:

1. Write your District Goal

   • Use your district’s goals and initiatives as a guide

   • Select TWO Ohio Educator Professional Standards that align with your goal

2. Write Professional Goal #1

   • Use your district growth goals or develop your own

   • Consider what you aim to achieve over the next five years

   • Select TWO professional standards that align with this goal

3. Write Professional Goal #2

   • Follow the same process as Goal #1

Once submitted, your completed IPDP will be automatically emailed to:

📧 Ashley Shepherd – ashepherd@wbesc.org

Transferring Your IPDP Plan

When changing school districts, it is important to ensure your Individual Professional Development Plan (IPDP) and associated documentation transfer properly to maintain credit for any completed CEUs or coursework.

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If You Are Leaving Your Current District

Before you leave, your current LPDC Coordinator must:

• Review your IPDP plan

• Verify all activity documentation and original transcripts for professional development completed during your IPDP timeframe

Once reviewed, the LPDC Coordinator will complete and sign the:
🔗 Verification Form for Educators Leaving the LPDC 

You will then bring this signed verification form and your documentation to the LPDC Coordinator in your new district for review.

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If You Are Transferring Into a Paulding or Van Wert County School District

You will need to:

1. Write a new IPDP to complete any remaining CEUs

2. Visit www.wbesc.org

   • Click on "Licensure"

   • Then select "Writing an IPDP" for instructions

3. Send your new IPDP and the verification form from your previous district to Western Buckeye ESC

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If You Are Transferring Out of a Paulding or Van Wert County School District

You must:

• Submit your portfolio of earned CEUs to the Western Buckeye ESC

• The LPDC Coordinator will review your documentation and provide you with a completed verification form

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📞 Questions?

Contact:
Ashley Shepherd
📞 419-399-4711 ext. 205
📧 ashepherd@wbesc.org

Advancing from a Resident Educator License to a Professional License

Advancement to a Professional License is handled through your district's Resident Educator program coordinator.

📞 Questions?

Contact:
Dr. Rachel Eicher
📞 419-399-4711 ext 207
📧 reicher@wbesc.org