Oklahoma Educator Launch & Mentorship Initiative
The Oklahoma State Department of Education has developed the Educator Launch and Mentorship Initiative to support the state’s new teachers. This program begins with a five-day Summer Launch Institute in late July, focusing on essential skills like classroom management, instructional planning, and student engagement. Following the initial training, new educators receive year-long mentorship from experienced or retired educators who provide monthly observations and coaching through May. Participants are incentivized with financial stipends, including up to $2,000 for new teachers and up to $10,000 for mentors overseeing multiple mentees. The program provides a comprehensive framework for improving teacher retention and instructional quality across Oklahoma schools.
First Year Teachers
Start Strong in Your First Year of Teaching
The Oklahoma Educator Launch & Mentorship Initiative is designed to support first-year teachers with practical training, ongoing coaching, and year-long mentorship. Whether you are traditionally certified, alternatively certified, or teaching on an emergency certification, this program provides the tools and support needed to build confidence and succeed in the classroom.
Participants will attend a five-day Summer Launch Institute focused on:
- Classroom management
- Lesson planning and instructional rigor
- Differentiation and learner support
- Data-driven instruction
- Building effective routines for the first 30 days of school
Following the institute, teachers will receive individualized mentorship support throughout the school year from experienced educators.
Eligible participants may receive:
- $1,000 for successful completion of the Summer Launch Institute
- $1,000 for successful completion of the mentorship program
Resources & Documents
Mentors
Support the Next Generation of Oklahoma Educators
The Oklahoma Educator Launch & Mentorship Initiative is seeking experienced educators to serve as mentors for first-year teachers across the state. Mentors play a critical role in supporting teacher growth, improving retention, and strengthening instructional practices during a teacher’s first year in the classroom.
To qualify, mentors can be:
- Retired educators
- Former classroom teachers
- Former instructional leaders
- Anyone currently working for a district does not qualify.
Mentors will provide:
- Monthly classroom observations
- Coaching conversations
- Instructional problem-solving support
- Guidance in applying strategies from the Summer Launch Institute
All mentors must:
- Complete a background check (If required by district)
- Apply and receive approval through OSDE
- Complete required onboarding and training
Mentors may receive:
- $1,000 per mentee
- Up to 10 mentees annually
Resources & Documents
District Leadership
Supporting First-Year Teachers in Your District
District leadership plays an essential role in the successful implementation of the Oklahoma Educator Launch & Mentorship Initiative. Superintendents, principals, and district administrators are encouraged to identify eligible first-year teachers, support participation in the Summer Launch Institute, and facilitate mentorship opportunities throughout the school year.
District responsibilities include:
- Identifying eligible first-year teachers
- Encouraging and supporting attendance at the Summer Launch Institute
- Assisting teachers with program applications
- Promoting mentor recruitment locally
- Coordinating classroom access and observation opportunities for mentors
- Supporting collaboration between mentors, teachers, and school leaders
The initiative is designed to improve teacher readiness, confidence, instructional effectiveness, and long-term retention across Oklahoma schools.
Resources & Documents
