Ingram Celebrates Passage of Grade Ban Restoration Legislation

Today, state Senator Catherine D. Ingram (D–Cincinnati) applauded the Senate’s unanimous passage of Senate Bill 144, her legislation to restore Ohio’s teacher licensure grade bands that were altered under House Bill 33.

“Two years ago, when the state restructured the Department of Education, important details were overlooked,” said Ingram. “This legislation restores a structure that better aligns with how teachers are trained, how students learn, and how schools operate. Senate Bill 144 protects the integrity of the profession while maintaining flexibility for districts.”

Senator Ingram introduced Senate Bill 144 to address the unintended consequences of consolidating teacher licensure into broad grade bands, which weakened teacher preparation programs and created challenges for educators and institutions across the state.

Under Senate Bill 144, Ohio would:

• Reestablish the grade band for grades PK–5 with a dual intervention specialist pathway for both general and special education;
• Create a generalist license for grades 4-8, allowing teachers to fill openings across content areas;
• Maintain the grade band for grades 7-12; and
• Continue the current two-year flexibility provision, excluding first-year teachers.

Senator Ingram also recognized Marietta College for highlighting the importance of protecting dual licensure programs, which prepare teachers to serve both general and special education students.

“Senate Bill 144 protects these programs and ensures teachers are equipped to meet the diverse needs of every learner,” Ingram said.

The bill now heads to the Ohio House for further consideration.