The Division of Teacher Recruitment and Retention is the home of the Offices of Teacher Certification, School Personnel Records, and Teacher Recruitment and Retention, which houses Teacher Recruitment, Teacher Retention, Teacher Recognition, and Teacher Leadership Development.

The Teacher Recruitment Office is committed to strengthening Oklahoma’s educator workforce by attracting and supporting aspiring teachers. Our mission is to connect individuals with pathways to certification, provide valuable resources, and promote opportunities that make the teaching profession accessible and rewarding. Through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and targeted outreach, we aim to ensure every classroom is led by a qualified and passionate educator.

The Office of School Personnel Records (SPR) is responsible for collecting and maintaining the annual certified and support personnel reports, administrators’ salary and benefits reports, superintendents’ contracts, and approved salary schedules for each Oklahoma school district. Additionally, the office maintains the historical employment data for all certified and support school employees.

Teacher Leadership Development is dedicated to fostering a culture of excellence in teaching and leadership throughout Oklahoma. Our mission is to equip educators on a journey of continuous improvement. By providing professional learning opportunities tailored for Oklahoma leaders and teachers, and enriching their practices with research-based insights, we empower educators to excel in their roles. Programs offered: Moving Up, Principals Leadership Academy, and Lead to Succeed.

Teacher Recognition is dedicated to acknowledging and celebrating the contributions and accomplishments of educators. This area oversees the application, evaluation, and selection process for various teacher recognition awards and honors. Its primary goal is to highlight and reward exemplary teaching practices, innovation in education, and a commitment to student success. Teacher Recognition manages the Oklahoma State Teacher of the Year Program as well as assistance with coordinating scholarship programs offered by outside organizations. Additionally, this area promotes professional development opportunities for teachers to share best practices across the state.