Alternative Teaching Certification in Oklahoma
The Oklahoma State Department of Education offers a Non-Traditional Teacher Licensure Program for qualified applicants who have not completed an educator preparation program. This was designed to fill critical teacher shortage areas throughout the state.
Interested in learning about the traditional approach? Contact schools offering teaching certification programs in Oklahoma.
The most common alternative teacher licensure program in Oklahoma is the Alternative Placement Teaching License Program. There are other programs, however, by the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) and Teach for America, whose requirements are similar (requirements are explained here).
Alternative Certification Requirements
Education Requirements
Sponsored School(s)
You must have at least a bachelor’s degree in a major area corresponding to an Oklahoma subject certification area, with a cumulative GPA of 2.5, to enroll in an alternative licensure program. If you do, use the Application for Alternative Placement Program to apply for this program.
Examinations
Once you have been determined eligible and your application has been accepted, you must pass the Oklahoma General Education Test (OGET) as well as the Oklahoma Subject Area Test (OSAT) for the area in which you seek certification.
After passing the tests, you must apply to the Teacher Competency Review Panel with a resume listing your experience, a written explanation of why you wish to become a teacher, and an oral interview. If you are recommended for the Alternative Placement Program after this review, you will be issued an Alternative Teaching License and will have three years to complete the educational requirements for a Standard Certificate. You must enroll in an Alternative Placement Program at one of the participating colleges or universities listed here to complete the necessary prerequisites for standard certification.
Experience
You must have two years of work experience in the subject area in which you seek certification to qualify for the Alternative Placement Program.
Criminal History Background Check
After approval of your application for the Alternative Placement Program, you must pass a criminal history background check conducted by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. You must request that your fingerprints be taken at one of the agencies listed here. You must pay all costs associated with background checks and fingerprinting.
Contact Information
For more information on the Alternative Placement Program, contact the participating colleges and universities at the bottom of this page.
If you desire further information on the alternative teacher licensure process, contact the Oklahoma State Department of Education at 405-521-3337.
