What are some struggles in being a teacher in Oklahoma?

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!!