What is the average salary for certified teachers, and how does it compare to the national average in Oklahoma?

The average salary for certified teachers in Oklahoma is $45,242 per year. This is slightly lower than the national average of $51,960.

Are there variations in teacher salaries based on geographic regions in Oklahoma?

Yes, there are variations in teacher salaries based on geographic regions in Oklahoma. According to the Oklahoma State Department of Education, the average teacher salary for the 2020-2021 school year ranged from $44,993 in the Oklahoma City-Tulsa-Lawton area to $39,121 in the Southwest Region.

Do certified teachers receive additional compensation for teaching in high-demand subjects or underserved areas in Oklahoma?

Yes, certified teachers in Oklahoma can receive additional compensation for teaching in high-demand areas or underserved areas. The state has implemented the Oklahoma Teacher Shortage Employment Incentive Program, which provides certified teachers with a $1,000 stipend for teaching in certain focus subject areas or schools with a high percentage of students from low-income families.

Are there opportunities for certified teachers to earn additional income through extracurricular activities or coaching in Oklahoma?

Yes, certified teachers in Oklahoma may be able to earn additional income through extracurricular activities, coaching, and other school-sponsored activities. The amount of pay varies depending on the district and the type of activity, but it can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand per year.

What are the salary differences between elementary, middle, and high school teachers in Oklahoma?

According to the Oklahoma State Department of Education, the average salary for elementary school teachers is $43,836, middle school teachers is $46,457, and high school teachers is $45,445. These figures are for the 2018-2019 school year.

Is there a salary schedule that outlines pay increases based on experience and education levels for certified teachers in Oklahoma?

Yes, the Oklahoma State Department of Education has a salary schedule for certified teachers in the state. It outlines pay increases based on experience and education levels, and also includes information on other pay supplements such as extra duty pay, longevity pay, and bonuses for National Board Certification. It can be found on the department’s website.

What are the opportunities for career advancement, such as becoming a mentor teacher or department head, for certified teachers in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, certified teachers have the opportunity for career advancement such as becoming a mentor teacher or department head. These positions are typically paid positions that require additional training and experience. To become a mentor teacher, teachers must have at least three years of teaching experience and must successfully complete a mentorship program. To become a department head, teachers must possess the necessary administrative and leadership skills, have at least five years of teaching experience, and complete an administrative certificate program.

Are there opportunities for certified teachers to take on leadership roles within schools or districts, and do these positions come with additional compensation in Oklahoma?

Yes, there are opportunities for certified teachers to take on leadership roles within schools or districts in Oklahoma. Some of these positions are titled Assistant Principal, Instructional Coach, Mentor Teacher, and Curriculum Specialist. These positions may come with additional compensation depending on the district and the position. Each district is allowed to set its own pay scales and compensation packages.

What is the job market outlook for certified teachers, and are there expected shortages or surpluses in the workforce in Oklahoma?

The job market outlook for certified teachers in Oklahoma is fairly positive. According to the Oklahoma State Department of Education, Oklahoma is currently experiencing teacher shortages in many subject areas including math, science, special education, career technology, and bilingual/ESL. The State Department of Education also notes that while the number of teachers in the state is projected to remain relatively steady, the number of retirees is expected to exceed incoming teachers in the near future. This could lead to a shortage in teacher availability in some areas. As such, Oklahoma is actively recruiting teachers from other states and countries to help fill these gaps.

Are there specific subject areas, such as STEM or special education, with higher demand for certified teachers in Oklahoma?

Yes, there are areas of higher demand for certified teachers in Oklahoma. Areas such as STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and special education are often in high demand for certified teachers. Other areas of high demand include English Language Arts, Reading/Language Arts, Social Studies, Elementary Education, Art, Music, and Physical Education.

Are there state-specific programs or incentives to attract and retain certified teachers, including immigrants, in Oklahoma?

Yes, there are state-specific programs and incentives to attract and retain certified teachers, including immigrants, in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Department of Education offers several programs and incentives to help attract and retain certified teachers. These include:

• Teacher Compensation Supplement Program: The Teacher Compensation Supplement Program (TCSP) provides a one-time supplement of up to $2,000 for certified teachers who have worked in Oklahoma schools for three or more years.

• Loan Forgiveness Program: The Loan Forgiveness Program provides up to $5,000 in loan repayment assistance for certified teachers who have worked at least four years in an Oklahoma school.

• Alternative Teacher Certification Program: The Alternative Teacher Certification Program (ATCP) is designed to help individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree become certified teachers in Oklahoma. It is also open to immigrants with valid U.S. work permits.

• Relocation Assistance Program: The Relocation Assistance Program provides up to $2,000 for relocation expenses for certified teachers who are new hires in Oklahoma.

• Professional Development Opportunities: The Oklahoma Department of Education offers a variety of professional development opportunities for certified teachers, including conferences and workshops on cultural competency and diverse learning styles.

• Diversity and Inclusivity Initiatives: The state has several initiatives in place to promote diversity and inclusivity in the classroom, such as the Inclusive Classrooms Initiative which helps schools become more welcoming to students of all backgrounds.

What is the expected employment growth rate for certified teachers, and how does this compare to national trends in Oklahoma?

The expected employment growth rate for certified teachers in Oklahoma is 5.5% from 2019 to 2029, which is slightly higher than the projected national growth rate of 4%.

Are there resources, such as job listings, networking events, or teacher associations, available to help immigrants find job opportunities as certified teachers in Oklahoma?

Yes, there are a number of resources available to help immigrants find job opportunities as certified teachers in Oklahoma. Job listings can be found through various websites such as Glassdoor, Indeed, and Teacher.org. Additionally, networking events for teachers and other education professionals are hosted regularly by organizations such as OK Teach and the Oklahoma Education Association. The Oklahoma Teacher Certification Board is also a good resource for information on certification requirements and details on the process for becoming certified in the state.

Are there opportunities for bilingual or multilingual certified teachers to serve diverse communities and students in Oklahoma?

Yes. Bilingual or multilingual certified teachers are in high demand in Oklahoma to serve diverse communities and students. The Oklahoma State Department of Education lists multiple teaching positions that require bilingual skills as part of the job qualifications, such as English as a Second Language (ESL) and bilingual early childhood teachers. Additionally, the Oklahoma Association for Bilingual Education and Oklahoma State University offer training and resources for teachers interested in obtaining certification in bilingual or multilingual education.

What are the ethical and professional responsibilities of certified teachers, especially when dealing with diverse students and communities in Oklahoma?

1. Respect the dignity and rights of every student, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.

2. Foster an environment of openness, inclusion, and respect for cultural differences.

3. Ensure that all students have equitable access to learning opportunities and resources in the classroom.

4. Actively seek out diverse learning experiences for students that will develop their global awareness and understanding of different cultures.

5. Promote a sense of community within the classroom and school environment by encouraging positive interactions between students of different backgrounds.

6. Ensure that all students are treated fairly and equitably in the classroom and school environment.

7. Remain committed to the professional development of self and colleagues in order to promote diversity, inclusion, and equity within Oklahoma’s education system.

8. Treat all students with respect and consideration, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender or sexual orientation.

9. Maintain high standards of ethical conduct when dealing with diverse students and communities in Oklahoma.

10. Advocate for social justice in educational settings by taking action to end discrimination, oppression and any form of injustice in Oklahoma’s schools and communities.

Are there opportunities for career growth and advancement for certified teachers, and what are the requirements for achieving these positions in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, there are multiple opportunities for career growth and advancement for certified teachers. These include becoming a department or grade-level chairperson, curriculum specialist, professional development leader, instructional coach, mentor teacher, or school administrator such as principal or assistant principal. The requirements to achieve these positions depend on the district and specific job requirements. Typically, teachers must possess a valid Oklahoma teaching certification, advanced degrees in the field of education, leadership experience, and a minimum of three years of successful teaching experience in the district.

What are the employment benefits, such as healthcare, retirement, or professional development, typically offered to certified teachers in Oklahoma?

Healthcare: Oklahoma offers full-time teachers health insurance through the Soonercare program.

Retirement: Oklahoma offers certified teachers the Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) benefits. This plan is designed to provide retirement security for Oklahoma teachers.

Professional Development: Oklahoma provides a variety of professional development opportunities for certified teachers, including in-person training, online courses, in-district professional development, and state-level training.

Other Benefits: Oklahoma also offers a variety of other benefits for certified teachers, including life insurance, disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, and more.

Are there opportunities for certified immigrant teachers to engage in philanthropic teaching work or community involvement in Oklahoma?

Yes, there are opportunities for certified immigrant teachers to engage in philanthropic teaching work and community involvement in Oklahoma. Many organizations in Oklahoma offer volunteer and teaching opportunities in the community to help immigrants and refugees acclimate and learn the language. These organizations typically provide free language classes, such as English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, or provide after-school tutoring and mentoring programs for immigrant children. Additionally, there are many organizations in Oklahoma dedicated to providing after-school programs and extracurricular activities for immigrant students, such as soccer, basketball, dance, and music. These organizations also offer job readiness programs for unemployed immigrants.

Are there organizations, associations, or online platforms that provide job listings and career resources specifically for certified teachers in Oklahoma?

Yes, there are several organizations, associations, and online platforms that provide job listings and career resources specifically for certified teachers in Oklahoma. These include the Oklahoma State Department of Education, Oklahoma State Education Association, Professional Educators of Oklahoma, Oklahoma Education Association, Teach Oklahoma, and the Oklahoma Education Job Board. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Education provides career resources such as Recruitment Resources for Hiring Teachers in Oklahoma.

What are the opportunities for certified immigrant teachers to serve underserved communities or work in schools that serve diverse populations in Oklahoma?

There are a number of opportunities for certified immigrant teachers to serve underserved communities or work in schools that serve diverse populations in Oklahoma. These include working as English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers in public schools, teaching a variety of educational courses, such as math, science, social studies, and language arts, as well as working as bilingual educators in Oklahoma’s many bilingual classrooms. Additionally, opportunities may exist for immigrant teachers to serve as mentors and role models to students from underserved communities or those who come from diverse backgrounds. There is also the option of becoming a school tutor or working with organizations that specialize in providing services to immigrant and refugee populations.