Teacher Recruitment
Teacher Signing Bonus
The Oklahoma Department of Education recognizes the ongoing shortage of Special Education teachers in our state. This program seeks to attract new and out-of-state certified Special Education teachers to ensure students with disabilities receive the quality services they deserve.
Scholarship Winners
| Year | Winner | School |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Kassidy Gary | Edmond North High School, Edmond Public Schools |
| 2013 | Dossanna Miller | Fairview High School, Fairview Public Schools |
| 2012 | Liana Minguara | Hollis High School, Hollis Public Schools |
| 2011 | Cheyenne Counts | Byng High School, Byng Public Schools |
| 2010 | Taylor Elise Johnson | Edison Preparatory High School, Tulsa Public Schools |
| 2009 | Alejandra Campos | Northwest Classen High School, Oklahoma City Public Schools |
| 2008 | Ashley Dea Owens | Shawnee High School, Shawnee Public Schools |
| 2007 | John Hammons | Muskogee High School, Muskogee Public Schools |
| 2006 | Thelma Ramirez | Classen School of Advanced Studies, Oklahoma City Public Schools |
| 2005 | Tiffany Romasanta | Grove High School, Grove Public Schools |
| 2004 | Angela Jefferson | Muskogee High School, Muskogee Public Schools |
| 2003 | Amber Lynn Allison | Union High School, Union Public Schools |
| 2002 | Adam Moss | Charles Page High School, Sand Springs Public Schools |
| 2001 | Ike Akinwande | Southeast High School, Oklahoma City Public Schools |
| 2000 | Magdalena Jurkiewicz | Bartlesville High School, Bartlesville Public Schools |
| 1999 | Jamie Ann Mathew | Jenks High School, Jenks Public Schools |
Paid Student Teaching
The Paid Student Teaching Program provides financial support to aspiring educators during their student teaching semester, helping them focus on gaining valuable classroom experience without the added burden of lost income. Participants receive a stipend while completing their required placement in an Oklahoma public school, ensuring more future teachers can successfully enter the profession. This program invests in both the success of teacher candidates and the future of Oklahoma’s classrooms.
Grow Your Own Educator Program
The Grow Your Own Educator Program supports Oklahoma school districts in developing future teachers from within their own communities. Through targeted recruitment, mentorship, and financial assistance, the program helps current school staff, high school students, and community members pursue a career in education. By cultivating local talent, districts can build a stronger, more committed teaching workforce.
License to Educate
The License to Educate program offers Oklahomans a unique way to support teacher recruitment across the state—right from the back of their vehicle. By purchasing a special License to Educate license plate, you’re helping fund initiatives that attract, prepare, and retain high-quality educators for Oklahoma’s classrooms. Every plate is more than just a show of support—it’s an investment in the future of our students and schools.
Teach-OK.com
Teach-OK.com is Oklahoma’s one-stop resource for anyone interested in becoming or supporting a teacher. The site provides clear guidance on certification pathways, connects job seekers with district openings, and highlights programs that recruit and retain quality educators. Visitors can also explore funding opportunities, professional development, academic resources, and spotlights on schools and educator preparation programs, making it easier than ever to join and thrive in Oklahoma’s education community.
