How to Become a Teacher in Oklahoma

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.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

As in other states, Oklahoma’s teacher certification process unfolds across four main steps, beginning with your college education.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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 2022-2032:

Notably, in May 2023, the BLS also ranked Oklahoma City in the top five metro areas in the country for high school teacher employment per 1,000 jobs.

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:

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.