How to Become a Teacher in Oklahoma
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- You can follow both standard and alternative paths to Oklahoma teacher certification.
- In either case, you'll need at least a bachelor's degree and formal educator training.
- You'll need to pass certification exams after completing your educational requirements.
- Oklahoma teachers need to renew their certifications every five years.
Oklahoma has been struggling with an acute teacher shortage in recent years. The state responded by devising a scholarship and grant program capable of delivering more than $25,000 in benefits to educators who train and teach in Oklahoma. This combination of opportunity and incentive gives Oklahoma an appealing profile.
A bachelor's degree in education marks a great starting point for a career in education, but there's more to Oklahoma's teacher certification process. This career guide explains all the details of how to become a teacher in Oklahoma.
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How Do You Become a Teacher in Oklahoma?
As in other states, Oklahoma's teacher certification process unfolds across four main steps, beginning with your college education.
1. Earn Your Bachelor's Degree
To become a teacher in Oklahoma, you'll need at least a bachelor's degree and targeted training in classroom-based education. You can follow two main paths to meeting these requirements.
For the most direct path, complete a state-approved teacher education program. Oklahoma's Office of Educational Quality and Accountability maintains an up-to-date list of approved programs.
You can also follow numerous alternative paths. These options require a minimum of a bachelor's degree, but you can qualify even if you didn't major in education.
2. Gain Student Teaching Experience
Student teaching experience prompts you to put your theoretical training into practice. It's a critical step in your professional development. Practice teaching also helps prepare you for the certification tests you'll need to take to become a teacher in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma doesn't mandate a minimum number of practice teaching hours. However, state-approved educator prep programs typically include at least 15 weeks of student teaching. Additional required field experiences may include service-learning stints at qualified public schools and observational practicums.
3. Take Required Certification Tests
In Oklahoma, you must pass two exams to receive certification. These tests measure pedagogical skills and subject area knowledge. Oklahoma's required certification tests include:
- Oklahoma Subject Area Tests (OSAT)
- Praxis Performance Assessment for Teachers (PPAT)
The Office of Educational Quality and Accountability administers certification exams for teachers in the state. The Certification Examinations for Oklahoma Educators provides additional information on OGET and OSAT exams, including study materials and scheduling information.
Some tests allow online proctoring, meaning you can take the exam remotely — even from your home.
4. Apply for Certification
After completing all your training and credentialing, you'll submit a formal application to Oklahoma's Teacher Certification Board. During this verification step, Oklahoma State Department of Education officials will review your qualifications to ensure they meet all relevant standards.
As part of your application, you'll also undergo a background check. This requirement enhances student safety by ensuring no individuals with disqualifying criminal histories can work around children.
Upon approval, you'll receive your initial teaching license. From there, you can land your first professional teaching job.
What's the Career Outlook for Teachers in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma offers a strong career outlook for teachers relative to national trends. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 1% job growth for both kindergarten and elementary teachers and high school teachers from 2022-2032. Meanwhile, the BLS-affiliated resource Projections Central anticipates much higher job growth in Oklahoma.
Here's what Projections Central expects in terms of job growth for Oklahoma teachers from 2020-2030:
- Elementary teachers: +6.8%
- High school teachers: +7.2%
- All other teachers and instructors (except substitute teachers): +9.8%
Notably, in May 2022, the BLS also ranked Oklahoma City in the top five metro areas in the country for high school teacher employment per 1,000 jobs.
How Much Will You Make as a Teacher in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma maintains a salary schedule for public school teachers. Pay rates depend on factors including degree level, certification status, and years of experience.
The following table profiles data for the 2023-2024 school year published by the Oklahoma State School Boards Association:
Job Title | Minimum Salary |
---|---|
Bachelor's Degree, 0 Years of Experience | $39,601 |
Bachelor's Degree, 5 Years of Experience | $42,810 |
Bachelor's Degree, 10 Years of Experience | $46,684 |
Bachelor's Degree plus National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT) Certification, 0 Years of Experience | $40,759 |
Bachelor's Degree plus National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT) Certification, 5 Years of Experience | $43,968 |
Bachelor's Degree plus National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT) Certification, 10 Years of Experience | $47,844 |
Master's Degree, 0 Years of Experience | $40,991 |
Master's Degree, 5 Years of Experience | $44,200 |
Master's Degree, 10 Years of Experience | $48,568 |
Master's Degree plus NBCT, 0 Years of Experience | $42,149 |
Master's Degree plus NBCT, 5 Years of Experience | $45,358 |
Master's Degree plus NBCT, 10 Years of Experience | $49,728 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Teacher Certification in Oklahoma
How do you maintain teacher certification in Oklahoma?
You must renew your Oklahoma teacher certification every five years by applying to the Oklahoma State Department of Education Teacher Certification agency online or by mail. As of 2024, a $50 renewal fee applies.
If your last certificate expired more than one year prior to your application date, you will need to undergo a new background check to recertify.
Can you become a teacher in Oklahoma without a teaching degree?
Oklahoma's State Department of Education offers a path for individuals with non-teaching degrees to become certified teachers in accredited schools. This requires enrollment in the Oklahoma Alternative Placement Program. You must submit an evaluation application to see if your credentials qualify.
Can you teach in Oklahoma without certification?
Teachers working in Oklahoma public schools need a state-issued certification. However, Oklahoma offers several alternative pathways to teaching in the state. You can receive a CareerTech certification to teach career and technical education classes.
How long does it take to become a teacher in Oklahoma?
The most direct path to becoming a teacher in Oklahoma takes 4-5 years. Full-time students can complete a typical state-approved bachelor's degree program in education in about four academic years. State-approved degree programs include practice teaching components.
After graduating, you'll need to take your certification exams and apply for certification. This could add several months — or a year or more — to the process.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed February 19, 2024.