Secondary 5th-12th Grade
This pathway is best for recent high school graduates or adult learners wanting to teach in:
- Secondary education subject areas 5th-12th grade
- Math, Science, History, and English
- Single subject areas PK-12th grade in the areas of:
- Art, Dance, English as a Second Language, Foreign Languages, Music, Physical Education/Health/Safety, and Speech/Drama/Debate
Option 1: Teacher Certification and Employment Steps
Earn a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from an Oklahoma Accredited Education Preparation Program, listed below:
State Universities
- Cameron University
- East Central University
- Langston University
- Northeastern State University
- Northwestern Oklahoma State University
- Oklahoma State University
- Rogers State University
- Southeastern Oklahoma State University
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University
- University of Central Oklahoma
- University of Oklahoma
- University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma
Create a Single Sign-On (SSO) account to start your teacher certification process.
To be certified you must pass the Oklahoma Subject Area Test (OSAT) and the Praxis Performance Assessment for Teachers (PPAT). Find more information about testing Praxis Website and CEOE Website.
Upon completion of your degree, your university will then recommend you to OSDE for teacher certification.
Before you can apply for certification, a background check and fingerprinting must be completed. The cost is $58.25. Visit the background check/fingerprinting page for more information.
Complete the application and submit the $50 application fee online in OECS. You can access OECS through your Single Sign-On (SSO) account.
Once you are certified, you can apply for teaching jobs in any district in the state. Use the Jobs tab on this website to see a map of districts with links to job boards.
Option 2: Earning Income While Pursuing Your Teaching Certificate
This path allows you to work while earning your teaching certificate. To begin, work toward a bachelor's degree. You can start by earning an associate degree or completing two years of college coursework. We suggest taking general education courses and classes in your desired teaching field.
Associate Degree Community Colleges
- Oklahoma City Community College
- Tulsa Community College
- Rose State College
- Redlands Community College
- Connors State College
- Eastern Oklahoma State
- Murray State College
- Northern Oklahoma College
- Western Oklahoma State College
- Carl Albert State College
- Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College
- Seminole State College
Create a Single Sign-On (SSO) account to start your teacher certification process.
While working as a Teacher Assistant or Paraprofessional, focus on completing your bachelor’s degree. Below is a list of universities offering online programs to help you finish your degree.
- As part of your bachelor's degree it is recommended that you complete 12 semester hours in the area requested (early childhood or elementary education), with 3 of those hours being in reading instruction.
- You must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5.
State Universities
- Cameron University
- East Central University
- Langston University
- Northeastern State University
- Northwestern Oklahoma State University
- Oklahoma State University
- Rogers State University
- Southeastern Oklahoma State University
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University
- University of Central Oklahoma
- University of Oklahoma
- University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma
Before you can apply for certification, a background check and fingerprinting must be completed. The cost is $58.25. Visit the background check/fingerprinting page for more information.
To complete the application, log in to OECS via Single Sign-On (SSO) to utilize the Educator Application Wizard. Be sure to submit your official transcripts from your university, the completed District Verification D1 form, and the $50 application fee.
Before you can apply for certification, you will need to pass the Oklahoma Subject Area Test (OSAT) in the subject area/s you have been approved for and the Praxis Performance Assessment for Teachers (PPAT). Find more information about testing Praxis Website and CEOE Website.
Once you are certified, you can apply for teaching jobs in any district in the state. Click the Jobs tab to see a map of districts including links to job boards.
