How to Become a Teacher in Oklahoma
Teaching is an exceptionally rewarding career. Teachers are in a unique position to influence the future in a way that others may not. It's a job that is as rewarding as it is stable, giving you a chance to make a real difference one student at a time for many years. Every state has specific requirements for becoming a certified teacher. Continue reading to learn more about the requirements for becoming a teacher in the great state of Oklahoma.
Choose What You Want to Teach
It is a good idea to begin the process by deciding which area you would like to teach. Do you want to work with young children or adolescents? Do you have a passion for a specific subject like Science or Social Studies? Do you prefer working with children with special needs? The choice is yours. If you are not sure yet, visits the state's Department of Education for information on educators and schools in Oklahoma.
Complete Your Bachelor's in Education Requirements for a Teaching Certificate in Oklahoma
Teachers must earn a minimum of a bachelor's in education along with a commission-approved teacher education program to become a teacher in Oklahoma. Teacher education programs will place a focus on the area you wish to become certified in.
If you do not have a bachelor's in education yet, you can likely complete a teacher education program and a bachelor's degree simultaneously through a blended program. These programs blend together all the required coursework for both a bachelor's degree and teaching certificate. Most accredited colleges or universities offer this program.
Complete a Teacher Education Program
In order to earn the required teaching certification to teach in Oklahoma, you must complete an accredited teacher education program. Accredited teacher education programs can be completed online or on a college campus.
Teacher education programs are often comprised of two main elements: college coursework and fieldwork. Some of your college classes will cover subject-based teaching methods, differentiated instruction, integration of technology, and more. The fieldwork element of the program usually encompasses classroom observations, student teaching under the guidance of a licensed teacher, and/or internships. With student teaching, you will have the opportunity to take over a real classroom under the supervision of a master teacher. During your time in the host classroom, you will prepare lessons, implement the lessons, monitor classroom behavior, and grade assignments. Each of the above mentioned areas must be mastered in order to successfully complete a teacher education program.
If you already possess a bachelor's degree, you can go through an alternative or post-baccalaureate teacher education program. Another option for individuals who already possess a bachelor's degree is a joint master's degree program.
Alternative Teacher Certification in Oklahoma
If the traditional routes to certification do not apply to you, Oklahoma has several alternative routes to teacher certification.
Oklahoma Alternative Placement Program
The Oklahoma Alternative Placement Program is for individuals who have non-teaching degrees. This program provides an opportunity for individuals to get a "jump start" into teaching in Oklahoma public schools. The following are the eligibility requirements for the Oklahoma Placement Program:
- Have a minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
- Have a major in a field of study that corresponds to an area of Oklahoma certification for a Secondary Certificate, Elementary/Secondary Certificate, or a Career and Technology Education Certificate
- Have at least a 2.5 cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA)
- Document two years of work experience in your degree field area or completion of post-baccalaureate coursework related to your degree field area
For more information about this alternative route, refer to the Alternative Placement Information Packet.
Pass the Tests Required for Teacher Certification in Oklahoma
Before you become a certified teacher in Oklahoma, you must pass a few exams. Three tests are currently required for Oklahoma teacher certification. The three tests are:
- Oklahoma General Education Test (OGET)
- Oklahoma Subject Area Test(s) (OSAT)
- Oklahoma Professional Teaching Examination (OPTE)
Certification Examinations for Oklahoma Educators (CEOE) has more information about specific tests required for your area of certification.
Some colleges or universities ask that teaching candidates pass all or some of these tests before entering or exiting a teacher education program. Ask a program advisor to find out what the institution requires.
Apply for your Oklahoma Teacher Certification
Application Requirements
When you apply for your teacher certification in Oklahoma, you will need to submit the following to the Oklahoma State Department of Education:
- Completed application form
- Non-refundable application fee
- Documentation to support the application, including official college transcripts that show proof of at least Bachelor's Degree and a completed teacher education program
- If applicable, copies of any teaching certificates you may have
- Passing test scores
- Record of clear Oklahoma criminal history as well as a current clear national criminal history record search from the Federal Bureau of Investigation
Contact Information
Oklahoma State Department of Education
Professional Standards Section
2500 North Lincoln Boulevard #212
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105
Phone: (405) 521-3301
Find a Teaching Job in Oklahoma
Finally, you will be prepared to begin your career as a teacher and pass on your knowledge to students. You will have the ability to create lifelong learners in the wonderful state of Oklahoma.
While there are shortages of teachers for subjects like sciences, technology, math, languages, and special education, Oklahoma's new and experienced teachers do a great job servicing the state's some 630,000 public school students.
Teacher applicants with certifications in the above subject areas are advised to apply to the high-enrollment districts like Oklahoma City Public Schools, Tulsa Public Schools, and Moore Public Schools for greater flexibility in the hiring process.
Teacher Shortage in Oklahoma by Subjects or Discipline (2021-2022)
The following list of teacher shortage areas in Oklahoma has been obtained from the U.S. Department of Education Office of Postsecondary Education, Teacher Shortage Area (TSA) report for the 2021-2022 school year:
- Art and Music Education PreK-12
- Career and Technical Education PreK-12 (Business Marketing and Information Technology)
- Early Childhood PreK-3
- Physical Education PreK-12
- Social Studies 5-12
- Mathematics 5-12
- Special Education, All Exceptionalities PreK-12
- Computer Science 5-12
- ESOL PreK-12
Number of Public and Private School Teachers By Grade
The following Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) table highlights the number of teachers in Oklahoma in both private and public schools, by grade level, as of May 2021:
| Grade Level | Number of Teachers |
|---|---|
| Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education | 5,190 |
| Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | 16,220 |
| Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | 6,870 |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | 16,700 |
| Special Education Teachers, Preschool | 500 |
| Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School | 1,680 |
| Special Education Teachers, Middle School | 670 |
| Special Education Teachers, Secondary School | 1,800 |
Continue Your Professional Development and Education
From the time they are granted licensure, teachers pursue an ongoing and somewhat rigorous path of professional development. Data shows that teachers don't become masterful in their chosen profession for the first 3 - 5 years. Coupled with professional development opportunities, teachers have an accelerated rate of attaining mastery. In addition to boosting student academic achievement, engaging in ongoing professional development supports teachers in regard to communication, curriculum, teaching diverse student populations, administration, and various other relevant topics. Successfully completing accredited, high-quality professional development opportunities will also bring teachers closer to their salary and career goals.
Professional Development in Oklahoma
In the state of Oklahoma, the state Department of Education has established mandates to steer teacher professional development. Current endeavors are focused on bringing teachers up to date on 21st century learning in the classroom. There are also a number of other offerings available in the state's database, as well as offerings through the Oklahoma Education Association (OEA). Teachers who are seeking further information are invited to follow up with their administration team.
Consider the Benefits of Earning a Master's in Education or Teaching
You won't need a master's to teach in Oklahoma. However, earn an advanced degree and you'll open up doors for professional advancement and increased earning potential. And the skills and knowledge you gain through a master's in either education or the subject you're certified to teach will contribute significantly to making you more effective in the classroom, thereby improving student outcomes.
Your Oklahoma Standard Teaching Certificate is valid for five years and renewed upon completion of at least three years of teaching and 75 clock hours of professional development. The Oklahoma State Department of Education maintains professional development requirements for educators.
What a Master's in Education or Teaching Can Mean for Your Salary
A master's in education or teaching can make a difference when it comes to your earning potential as an educator in Oklahoma. According to the Oklahoma State Department of Education, the state minimum for teachers was $36,601 as of the 2022-2023 school year. However, the minimum salary for teachers with a master's degree was $37,991.
2021 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Teachers (Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, High School) and Special Education Teachers, (Preschool, Kindergarten and Elementary, Middle, High School) reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed March 2023.