If becoming a teacher in Oklahoma is your goal, then you have a pretty straightforward process ahead of you. Certification and licensure in Oklahoma is competency-based, so that means the most direct route is to graduate from an accredited college or university with an approved teacher preparation program and passing the competency exams.

Having completed your education in Oklahoma, you will obtain a license to teach for one year in an Oklahoma school. During this time, you will participate in the Residency Program, which provides guidance and support during the first year of teaching. Upon completion of this year, the committee from your Residency Program will make a recommendation for certification. You will also need to pass professional education competency exams and submit fingerprints for a criminal background check. Upon receiving certification, you will hold an Oklahoma School Certificate that is valid for five years.

Once you receive your license to teach your first year, you will want to find a teaching position in Oklahoma. Oklahoma City Public Schools boasts numerous awards for both teachers and students at their schools, illustrating the district’s commitment to student success. The district also embraces strong community involvement evidenced through programs such as Dads of Great Students that works to incorporate fathers into their children’s education. Tulsa Public Schools is the largest district in Oklahoma and is the home to numerous libraries and institutes of higher learning that enhance the quality of education in the district, which includes magnet schools and other initiatives. The school districts in Norman and Lawton both offer high quality education through a variety of programs as well as community involvement that serves to strengthen the success of its students.

After teaching with your license the first year, then moving to your certification for the next five years, you will need to renew your certification. In order to do so, you will need to have taught at least three of those years. If you did not teach three years, you can substitute professional development courses or college credit courses as allowable.