Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education strengthens teacher recruitment through ARPA-SLFRF program

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) would like to recognize its partners at the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE) for their outstanding progress in the Teacher Acceleration Program, an initiative to strengthen teacher recruitment.

The state Legislature appropriated $5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act's State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (ARPA-SLFRF) to OSRHE for the Teacher Acceleration Program. OSRHE awarded the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) $2.4 million of these funds for the UCO Accelerated Cohorts for Teaching Success program (UCO ACTS).

“As a mother, an educator, and a lifelong Oklahoman, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that quality education can have on a child's future,” said Sen. Carri Hicks (D-Oklahoma City). “This money was invested to help our schools and future generations thrive. As a member of the education committee, I am committed to strengthening Oklahoma’s education system, ensuring that every child has access to the best possible learning opportunities.”

UCO ACTS supports the development of Oklahoma teachers by providing both financial assistance and accelerated pathways for enrolled students to complete a master's degree in education (Pre-K through sixth grade or secondary). The program offers participants cohort classes that are designed in a remote synchronous format that can be accessed from any location in Oklahoma. Participants take one to two courses at a time in compressed formats during the summer, fall and spring sessions.

Moreover, these programs are designed to certify new teachers in high-demand geographic areas and fields. They emphasize streamlining the process for emergency or alternatively certified teachers to complete standard teacher certification requirements.

Teachers who complete the program and provide proof of employment in an Oklahoma public school will be eligible for a stipend—$3,750 for those teaching pre-K through sixth grade and $5,000 for secondary educators. Additionally, teachers who meet standard certification requirements, pass the Oklahoma Subject Area Test (OSAT) or Praxis in math or science by August 2026 and have verified teaching responsibilities in math or science at an Oklahoma public school will receive an additional $1,000 stipend.

“Oklahoma’s education landscape is changing, and we must strengthen the teacher education pipeline,” said Allison D. Garrett, chancellor of the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education. “The Oklahoma Teacher Connection’s programs serving secondary students, college students, and new teachers help meet the critical need for more wellprepared teachers in Oklahoma classrooms.”

UCO ACTS includes 104 teachers from 30 school districts across Oklahoma, with 67 participating in the elementary/pre-K through 6th-grade program and 37 participating in the secondary/pre-K through 12th-grade program.

Given that some students enter the program with course credits, the ACTS students will graduate from the program at various times. Currently, one student will graduate this December, and four are expected to graduate in the spring of 2025. Generally, students who entered the program in the spring of 2024 will graduate in the fall of 2025, and those who entered in the summer of 2024 will graduate in the spring of 2026.

According to the OSRHE 2023 Employment Outcomes Report, 92% of education majors who graduate with bachelor’s degrees work in Oklahoma classrooms after one year and 80% are still working there five years later. UCO Acts is a pathway to improving the state’s education system and getting qualified teachers in the schools that need it most.

Through ARPA-SLFRF, OSRHE equips student teachers with tools to fuel their success and reinvest in the state’s education system. As these college students begin their teaching careers, they will inspire students and bring value to classrooms across the state. OMES commends OSRHE for its commitment to strengthening teacher recruitment and its investment in Oklahoma education.

For more information check out the OSHRE website. 

The Office of Management and Enterprise Services provides financial, property, purchasing, human resources and information technology services to all state agencies and assists the Governor’s Office on budgetary policy matters. Our mission is to provide excellent service, expert guidance and continuous improvement in support of our partners’ goals. For more information, visit oklahoma.gov/omes.

The Grants Management Office is the central administering entity of the American Rescue Plan Act's State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund for the State of Oklahoma. Our team builds partnerships and collaborates with state agencies in the use of ARPA-SLFRF dollars. Our goal is to be a supportive partner to agencies to help them accomplish their ARPA-SLFRF project goals. For more information on the state’s ARPA-SLFRF progress, visit oklahoma.gov/arpa