Superintendent Ryan Walters is expanding the Teacher Signing Bonus Program to Special Education for 2025-26

Oklahoma City, OK – Superintendent Ryan Walters is pleased to announce the success of the Teacher Signing Bonus Program with the major expansion to recruit and retain special education teachers across Oklahoma for the 2025-26 school year. The program offers out-of-state special education teachers a $20,000 signing bonus, plus a $5,000 retention bonus for staying through the 2026-27 school year. New teachers entering Oklahoma classrooms for the first time will receive a $10,000 signing bonus and a $2,500 retention bonus.

This year, 79 districts are participating, with 151 teacher candidates selected statewide — 117 new teachers and 34 experienced special education teachers from out of state. Teachers have been recruited from across the country and beyond, including California, Indiana, Arizona, Japan, Illinois, Idaho, Arkansas, Kansas, Hawaii, Iowa, Missouri, Georgia, Colorado, Alabama, South Carolina, Texas, Mississippi, and Oregon. Additionally, 90 of the 151 candidates hold alternative certification in Special Education, reflecting the success of Oklahoma’s multiple pathways into the profession.

“Oklahoma is leading the nation in teacher recruitment,” said Superintendent Walters. “Through investing in our educators and rewarding excellence we are making sure every child in Oklahoma has the opportunity to succeed.” For more information, visit Teach-OK.com.