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How to become a teacher in Oklahoma
Steps drawn from the state's data
- Earn a bachelor's degree. At least one initial credential requires one.
- Complete a teacher preparation program. Oklahoma has 22 Title II providers.
- Pass the tests the state requires (Title II reports that tests are required, not which ones).
- Complete a background check or fingerprinting.
- Apply to Office of Educational Quality and Accountability for an initial credential, such as Alternative Certificate; Standard Certificate.
- Career changers can use one of 3 alternative routes instead of a traditional program.
Teacher preparation providers in Oklahoma
| Provider | Program types | Enrollment | Completers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cameron University | Traditional | 140 | 43 |
| East Central University | Traditional | 157 | 54 |
| Langston University | Traditional | 21 | 13 |
| Mid-America Christian University | Traditional | 131 | 11 |
| Northeastern State University | Traditional | 433 | 139 |
| Northwestern Oklahoma State University | Traditional | 172 | 36 |
| Oklahoma Baptist University | Traditional | 136 | 32 |
| Oklahoma Christian University | Traditional | 43 | 16 |
| Oklahoma City University | Traditional | 77 | 17 |
| Oklahoma Panhandle State University | Traditional | 39 | 12 |
| Oklahoma State University | Traditional | 501 | 196 |
| Oklahoma Wesleyan University | Traditional | 58 | 9 |
| Oral Roberts University | Traditional | 149 | 36 |
| Randall University | Traditional | 20 | 3 |
| Southeastern Oklahoma State University | Traditional | 84 | 34 |
| Southern Nazarene University | Traditional | 95 | 21 |
| Southwestern Christian University | Traditional | 9 | 9 |
| Southwestern Oklahoma State University | Traditional | 597 | 88 |
| Univ. of Science and Arts of Oklahoma | Traditional | 98 | 29 |
| University of Central Oklahoma | Traditional | 798 | 169 |
| University of Oklahoma | Traditional | 697 | 112 |
| University of Tulsa | Traditional | 76 | 27 |
About teacher preparation in Oklahoma
The Office of Educational Quality and Accountability, the Oklahoma State Department of Education, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education, and the state legislature work together in developing and sustaining a well-prepared professional teacher workforce. This collaboration works to ensure Oklahoma student success through quality teaching.
A competency-based teacher preparation system was created in 1995 with the goal of ensuring a competent and qualified teachers in every classroom. This system includes the accreditation of teacher preparation programs, the assessment of teacher candidates, and the ongoing growth and development of classroom teachers across the State.
Oklahoma's teacher preparation system consists of 22 approved teacher preparation programs from both public and private institutions of higher education. Each preparation unit in Oklahoma is evaluated for accreditation purposes based on the Oklahoma accreditation requirements and the standards of the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). These standards ensure educator preparation providers impart future teachers with the knowledge and skills to support the development of all students. This process advances excellent educator preparation through evidence-based accreditation that assures quality and supports continuous improvement to strengthen P-12 student learning.