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Alternative Pathways

The following are the alternative paths to obtaining a teacher certification in Oklahoma.

(not for early childhood, elementary or special education)

The Alternative Placement Program provides an opportunity for individuals with non-teaching degrees to teach in Oklahoma accredited schools.

The Non-Traditional Special Education (Boot Camp) Program provides an opportunity for individuals with non-teaching degrees to complete a Boot Camp training and teach Special Education in Oklahoma accredited schools.

(only for early childhood, elementary, and special education)

The Career Development Program provides an opportunity for individuals with non-teaching degrees and classroom experience in Oklahoma accredited schools to teach in Early Childhood, Elementary Education, or Special Education.

(only for early childhood or elementary education)

The Alternative Early Childhood and Elementary Program provides an opportunity for individuals with non-teaching degrees and classroom experience in Oklahoma accredited schools (or a terminal degree) to teach in general Early Childhood or Elementary Education.

Other Options

American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE)  
A program designed to inspire career changers to enter the teaching field and give them a rigorous and efficient process to achieve their goals

Teach for America    
National corps of outstanding recent college graduates and professionals of any area who commit two years to teach in urban and rural public schools

Special Education Micro-credential Pathway    
Available to teachers who hold a five-year certificate in mild-moderate disabilities 
Instructional video located here: https://youtu.be/tG5S4kwFWHM

Four-Year Olds and Younger Certificate
A path for Child Development Associates in Head Start programs to teach four-year-old and younger students in a public school

NOTE: Extension of a provisional (non-standard) certificate should only to be used in cases when requirements to renew a provisional certificate or upgrade to the next level of certification have not been met (excludes emergency certificates). An online district request is required followed by an online application by the educator.
Last Modified on Feb 27, 2026