Teaching in Oklahoma: A Guide for Foreign Educators
If you’re a foreign teacher with 5 or more years of teaching experience, Oklahoma welcomes you! Here are the essential requirements:
Requirements for Foreign Teachers
If you’re a foreign teacher with 5 or more years of teaching experience, Oklahoma welcomes you! Here are the essential requirements:
Certification: Obtain a teaching certificate from the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE). The process involves several steps:
Application: Apply for teacher certification through the OSDE1.
Test Review: If you have fewer than 5 years of teaching experience in an out-of-state accredited school, request a test review by the Office of Educational Quality & Accountability1.
Provisional Certificate: Upon application approval, receive a Two-Year Provisional Certificate1.
Teaching Experience: Complete at least one year of successful teaching experience in Oklahoma1.
Standard Certificate: After meeting the experience requirements, apply for a Standard Oklahoma Teaching Certificate1.
Highly Qualified Status: If you have comparable content area exams or meet the High Objective Uniform State Standard of Evaluation (HOUSSE), you’ll achieve highly qualified status1.
Benefits of Teaching in Oklahoma
Teaching in Oklahoma offers numerous rewards:
Make a Difference: Impact the lives of children and contribute to their success.
Endless Possibilities: Provide students with opportunities for growth and achievement.
Daily Joy: Experience the satisfaction of seeing your students learn and thrive.
Leadership Opportunities: Take on leadership roles within your school community.
Stronger Communities: Help build resilient and supportive communities.
Passion for Learning: Share your love for learning with the next generation.
Pay Range
While salaries vary based on factors like experience, location, and district, here’s a general overview:
Minimum Salary: The minimum salary for teachers in Oklahoma is determined annually. For the 2020-2021 academic year, no credit is granted for more than 5 years of out-of-state or out-of-country teaching experience2.
Actual Pay: Actual pay can exceed the minimum, especially for experienced educators.
Resources for Special Education Teachers
If you’re interested in special education, follow these steps:
Undergraduate Degree: Complete a bachelor’s degree program that includes coursework and field experience related to special education. Ensure it’s from an accredited program approved by the Oklahoma Commission for Teacher Preparation (OCTP)3.
Certification Paths:
Official Links for Certification
Oklahoma Educator Credentialing System (OECS): View your digital certificates and advisement letters here6.
Educator Search: Verify an educator’s certification status prior to employment7.
Remember, teaching is both challenging and rewarding. As Mara Richards, a finalist for the 2014 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, said: “Without teachers, there would be no other profession.” So, join the noble profession and make a lasting impact!