Teacher Certification Additional Questions
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- I understand I have to be highly qualified to teach a core academic subject. Explain what is meant by highly qualified teacher.
- How do I add “Registry Training” to my certificate?
- How can I expedite the process of getting my Oklahoma certificate?
- Does Oklahoma have some form of written directive on the expected proper conduct of teachers?
- What must I do to be an athletic coach in an Oklahoma accredited school?
- If I am renewing a certificate, do I have to send another official college transcript?
59. I understand I have to be highly qualified to teach a core academic subject. Explain what is meant by highly qualified teacher.
The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 states that a parent has the right to know that the teacher of their child has demonstrated they know something about the core academic subject area they are teaching; in other words, is highly qualified in their understanding of the core academic subject area content. This includes special education teachers who are the “teacher of record” for core academic subject areas.
In order for an administrator to be able to assure that a teacher is highly qualified, the teacher must:
- Hold at least a bachelor degree.
- Hold an appropriate teaching certificate in the subject taught.
- Demonstrate knowledge of subject content by passing a subject area test, or hold a degree or advanced degree in the specific subject area, or complete a High Objective Uniform State Standards of Evaluation (HOUSSE) form.
For more information, refer to the State Department of Education Web site sde.ok.gov/sde. At the site index, search for Highly Qualified Teacher.
NOTE: Special Education teachers who are the teacher of record must also be highly qualified in the core academic subjects they teach. This Web site has information on highly qualified requirements for special education teachers. For questions contact (405) 521-3607.
60. How do I add “Registry Training” to my certificate?
For individuals who have completed 32 clock hours of registry training and hold an appropriate special education certificate, submit the Application to Add Registry to an Oklahoma Special Education Certificate (pdf), certificate of completion, or printout of 32 hours of registry training, and $25 processing fee (check, cashier’s check, money order) made payable to the Oklahoma State Department of Education.
61. How can I expedite the process of getting my Oklahoma certificate?
If an Oklahoma school district newly employs a teacher and is in need of getting the certificate processed in order to start the school year, the Superintendent or Human Resources Representative may submit a Request to Expedite Processing for New Hire form. This form must be submitted with the application, fee, and any additional documentation (if not already submitted to the Teacher Certification Section) required to receive the proper teaching credential.
62. Does Oklahoma have some form of written directive on the expected proper conduct of teachers?
In 1992, legislation was passed requiring the Oklahoma State Board of Education to promulgate standards of performance and conduct for teachers. A copy of such standards, any amendments to such standards, and any standards adopted by the local board of education of the school district shall be provided to each teacher on or before April 10 of each year (70 O.S. 6-101.21). The Standards for Performance and Conduct were approved by the State Board of Education in 1992 and revised in 2006 to reflect new legislation. For a copy, refer to Standards of Performance and Conduct for Teachers.
63. What must I do to be an athletic coach in an Oklahoma accredited school?
All coaches and athletic directors shall be employed by the school district and hold a valid teaching certificate. Their names shall appear on the class schedule. In addition, all athletic coaches being assigned coaching duties shall have completed a course in the care and prevention of athletic injuries.
64. If I am renewing a certificate, do I have to send another official college transcript?
No. Unless you are adding a degree, or your certificate has been expired for five years or more.
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