Teachers of Oklahoma is a statewide teacher respect and appreciation tour with Rebecka Peterson, the 2022 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year. Inspired by Humans of New York, Peterson will travel to all 77 counties in Oklahoma interviewing teachers who are making a difference and sharing their stories to offer words of encouragement for teachers, students and their communities.
Being a great teacher is a labor of love. From helping us through challenging times to motivating us to chase our dreams, teachers impact our lives long after we leave the classroom. Help us celebrate a special teacher in your life by completing this short nomination form.
View the Latest Oklahoma Teacher Profiles on Rebecka's Social Media Pages
Make a difference in the life of a child by becoming a teacher! Visit our Teacher Certification page to learn how to embark on this rewarding career path and help inspire future generations of Oklahomans.
What Oklahoma is Doing to Attract and Retain Teachers
The Oklahoma State Department of Education is tackling the ongoing teacher shortage crisis through a multi-tiered approach that begins with engaging and preparing future educators in high school and college settings, providing increased support for new and current teachers, and aiding leadership development and career advancement.
Oklahoma Future Teachers Scholarship and Employment Incentive Program (“Inspired to Teach”)
Program participants may have the opportunity to earn up to $25,500 as they complete their Educator Preparation Program and teach in Oklahoma.
Troops to Teachers
Troops to Teachers was established in 1993 to assist transitioning service members and veterans in beginning new careers in public, charter and Bureau of Indian Affairs schools. The goal of the Oklahoma office is to identify these service men and women and help facilitate the process in obtaining their teaching certificate.
Transition assistance
One-on-one counseling
Assistance with state teacher certification and licensing
Connections with hiring officials
Mentorship
Possible $10,000 bonus to work in a “high need” school or $5,000 stipend for teacher certification expenses
The initiative will provide up to $3,250 to qualified student teachers per year through the 2023-24 school year.
First Class Teacher Induction Program
The First Class Teacher Induction Program supports early-career teachers through a comprehensive structure of professional learning and targeted coaching.
First-year teachers engage in professional learning sessions focused on classroom management and instructional practices. They engage in regular guidance with a site-based mentor.
Second- and third-year teachers work with a virtual instructional coach to implement coaching cycles to set goals, collect evidence, analyze data, and reflect on instructional practices.
Teachers who complete all teacher induction activities will be eligible to receive $1,000 stipends.
OKMath/OKSci Leadership Program
The OKMath/OKSci Leadership Program, sponsored by the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE), goes beyond professional development and helps teachers enhance their leadership capacity. Teachers from K-12 and CareerTech collaborate to solve problems they encounter in their classrooms, schools and districts.