What are some struggles in being a teacher in Oklahoma?
I'm going to school to be a teacher and i'm wanting to know if Oklahoma is the best place to be. #teacher #advice
2 answers
Daniela Silva
Daniela’s Answer
Hi Joy,
The state of Oklahoma serves more than 650,000 students throughout its 537 public school districts, and employs more than 42,000 teachers to educate them. In spite of a nationwide drop in average student admissions, Oklahoma school districts continue to see an increase in student enrollment, resulting in heightened demand for teachers at the elementary and secondary levels. However, any individual interested in becoming an Oklahoma certified teacher must still adhere to rigorous state education and certification requirements.
Education Requirements
To be a certified teacher in Oklahoma, all applicants must gain licensure from the Oklahoma Department of Education. All prospective teachers in the state must have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Applicants must also complete a state certified teacher preparation program, usually completed in the form of student teaching.
Oklahoma Teaching Certification
Teachers in Oklahoma must fulfill all requirements for licensure through Oklahoma’s Department of Education. Qualified applicants will hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, have completed a state approved teacher education program, and passed all three examinations required for teacher certification. Specialized certifications and endorsements may have other, more specific requirements.
Required Tests
Oklahoma requires passage of three competency tests before licensure is granted. These are taken through the Oklahoma Commission for Teacher Preparation (OCTP), which is its own state agency. The three examinations are: the Oklahoma General Education Test (OGET); the Oklahoma Subject Area Test(s) (OSAT); and the Oklahoma Professional Teaching Examination (OPTE).
State Certification Reciprocity
Reciprocity is granted on a case by case basis, and is usually granted to states participating in the NASDTEC program. All teachers must apply for licensure, submit required identification documents, and are subject to approval by the state’s Department of Education.
Source: http://www.teachingdegree.org/oklahoma/
Good Luck!!
Rocky’s Answer
You will no doubt see that teachers in Oklahoma receive lower pay than many states.
However the cost of living in Oklahoma is lower than many states as well and that should be taken into consideration.
The best thing about Oklahoma are the people.
It is very important to enjoy what you do and to feel like you make a difference.
The teachers i know love what they do and make a big difference in children's lives.
Good luck in whatever you choose to do.
-rocky