Oklahoma Alternative Teaching Program
If you want to teach in Oklahoma, make sure you understand what you’ll need to do to get there. No matter what your circumstances, the first step is to earn certification.
While there are several pathways to doing this, your options depend on your level of education and experience.Our guide can help you determine the pathway that’s right for you at any point in your career. If you’re just beginning your journey, we’ll help you learn about Oklahoma’s certification process.
If you want to learn how to progress to advanced certification or earn a specialized endorsement, we can help. If you’re a teacher looking to move to Oklahoma from out of state, we’ll explain the reciprocity system.The short video below gives an overview of what to expect as a certified teacher in Oklahoma state. Requirements for TeachersThe traditional pathway for earning your teaching license in Oklahoma requires all teacher candidates to complete and meet (OSDE) requirements and standards. These requirements include clearing a state and federal background check, meeting the education standards and earning a passing score on all examinations.Standard teaching licenses are valid for five years and can be renewed by completing the required continuing education credits for your license, completing a renewal application and paying a $50 fee. Meet the Minimum Education Requirements for OklahomaThe best place to start your traditional path to licensure is by completing the education requirements. All teachers in Oklahoma must complete a in teaching. You must also complete a state-approved teacher preparation program in the area you seek to teach.
An appropriate preparation program will be included in your degree program if it is a state-approved program. You will complete your degree and preparation program simultaneously. Student TeachingWhile student teaching is not expressly stated as a certification requirement, it will be a part of your education program. Student teaching works to provide students with the opportunity to gain practical teaching experience. As a, you will work one-on-one with a teacher in their classroom.
You will begin the experience by assisting the teacher as needed and observing the classroom environment. By the end of the experience, you and the teacher will switch roles. You will plan and deliver the lessons, while the teacher will aid and observe you. Pass the Oklahoma Certification ExamsThe OSDE requires all teacher candidates to pass three exams. The first exam is a basic skills exam, the (OGET). Next, you will need to pass the exam that certifies you to teach a particular subject, the Oklahoma Subject Area Test(s) (OSAT). Finally, you must pass the Oklahoma Professional Teaching Examination (OPTE) in order to verify that you have the skills and knowledge to be a qualified educator for a specific grade range.
ApplyWhen you meet all of the Oklahoma traditional pathway requirements for licensure, you can start the application process by creating an account. Once you have a registered account you will look for the Oklahoma Educator Credentialing System.
You can complete your application through this system. You will also need to submit a $50 processing fee along with your application. How Much Do Teachers in Oklahoma Make?The following teacher salaries are reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for Oklahoma.
It is possible to make below or above the listed salaries depending on the school district you teach in or even your experience level. For more exact salary information, contact your local school district.
PositionAverage SalaryEarly Childhood Educator$32,010Elementary School Teacher$41,150Secondary School Teacher$42,460Special Education Teacher$52,760School Administrator$70,880School Principal$92,510.8% Job Growth for Teachers through 2028Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics;.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook Specialty CertificationsWhen you begin your teacher preparation program you will want to make sure it is focused on the grade level and subject area you seek to teach. You will want to do this for three reasons:1.
Your teacher preparation program, and often your teaching degree, must have a specific focus2. Oklahoma standard teaching certifications must have an endorsement that verifies you can work with a particular group of kids.3. Each endorsement will require you pass an OPTE and OSAT exam that tests your knowledge of the certification area you seek. Early Childhood Education. In Oklahoma must pass the OPTE PK-8 exam to earn certification.
There are two OSAT exams for elementary education-the Early Education Subtest 1 and 2. The first subtest will cover reading and language arts, while the second subtest will cover many more topics including social studies, mathematics, science, health, fitness, and the arts. In addition to the testing requirements, your elementary level teacher education program will include requirements specific to elementary school.Oklahoma middle school teachers must pass the same OPTE that early childhood and elementary school teachers must pass, the PK-8 exam.
When it comes to the OSAT exam, a middle school teacher has more options than an elementary school teacher. They can earn certification in middle-level English, mathematics, science or social studies by passing the corresponding Middle-Level OSAT.Certification candidates for the middle school level should make sure that their teacher preparation program is focused on the middle-level grade ranges and the subject matter that they seek to teach. Secondary School Teacher. In Oklahoma must be qualified to teach grades 6-12.
You can prove your qualification for this age range by passing the OPTE: 6-12. At the secondary education level, there are a variety of subjects offered to students, far more than at the other grade levels. Because of this, you will have many more endorsement options as a secondary teacher. The OSAT you will take must correspond to the subject that you focused on in your teacher preparation program.Even within the science category of certification, there are five secondary level options: biological sciences, chemistry, earth sciences, physical sciences, and physics.
If you are unsure of what OSAT you should sign up for, get in touch with your teacher preparation program, they will be able to point you in the right direction. Substitute Teacher Certification. Oklahoma does not offer certifications, however, you can hold a valid Oklahoma teacher certification and work as a substitute. As a substitute teacher with a teacher certification, you will be considered a certified substitute and can work within Oklahoma schools as a substitute for an unlimited number of days. You may also earn a higher pay rate as a certified substitute teacher than a substitute teacher who does not hold a certification.You can still work as a substitute teacher in Oklahoma without earning your teacher certification.
These substitutes are referred to as non-certified substitutes. To become a non-certified substitute you must complete a state and federal background check. You must also hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Additional requirements will vary depending on the school district you seek to substitute in but may include substitute training. Physical Education (PE) Certification. To become a in Oklahoma you will earn your standard teacher certification in Physical Education, Health and Safety. You must also decide what grade range you want to work with when you start you PE focused teacher education program. PE teachers have two options for completing their grade specific OPTE, PK-8 or 6-12.There is only one OSAT exam offered to PE teacher candidates, the Physical Education/Health/Safety exam.
You must pass it and the OPTE, in addition to all other OSDE requirements. Special Education Certification. Teachers in Oklahoma have two OPTE grade level testing options PK-8 or 6-12. You must pass one of these exams as an OSDE requirement. As a special education teacher, you should determine what grade range you seek to work with prior to starting your teacher education program. Special education teachers have five endorsement areas they can choose from, and each has a corresponding OSDE:. Blind/Visual Impairment.
Deaf/Hard of Hearing. Crazy taxi 2 utorrent 2017 movie. Gifted Education. Mild-Moderate Disabilities.
Severe-Profound/Multiple DisabilitiesTo earn your special education certification you must also complete additional teacher education program requirements along with the required testing. You must also make sure that your teacher education program is in special education with a focus on the specific special education population you seek to work with. English as a Second Language Certification. If you know that you want to get your teacher certification endorsed in (ESL) prior to earning your teacher certification you should make sure that you are paired with an ESL teacher when you complete your student teaching experience.
Once you complete the education requirements, you will need to pass the OSAT English as a Second Language to earn your teacher certification endorsed in ESL.You can also add ESL as an additional endorsement after earning your teacher certification. This will require that you pass the OSAT ESL exam. You may also need to complete additional coursework specific to ESL, depending on your education focus. Certifications for School Administrators. There are two certification options for in Oklahoma, Traditional Administrator Certification and Alternate Administrator Certification.
Oklahoma uses alternative education programs to reduce dropouts and enhance graduation rates across the state. While, every program must incorporate 17 research-based components that include individualized and effective instruction, clear and measurable program goals and objectives, counseling and social service components, and individualized graduation plans for all students, the approach of each district or cooperative program reflects local differences.
Alternative Teaching Certificate In Oklahoma
The video linked below tells the story of three Oklahoma students and how each of their alternative education programs enabled them to become successful graduates.Additional videos, webinars, products, and tools created under the High School Graduation Initiative grant to support and highlight strategies implemented to serve rural students across the county are available on the.Upcoming Events.