A Teacher Shortage Task Force laid out several recommendations to Oklahoma legislators on Friday, including free teacher certification tests and waiving the tests for out-of-state teachers.
Tim Willert of The Oklahoman reports the task force formulated nine recommendations to support, recruit and incentivize educators and make it less difficult to become a teacher.
Willert writes:
Teaching candidates seeking alternative certification would be allowed to substitute certain work experience for grade point average, according to another proposal. Additionally, adjunct teachers could be used to help fill vacancies by increasing the number of hours they can teach from 90 to 270 hours per semester. “Oklahoma has obvious needs for teachers, and Oklahoma also has a large number of business people who have been laid off from the oil and gas industry,” the report states. “Allowing school districts to have greater flexibility for hiring adjunct teachers could be a win-win for both industries.”
State superintendent Joy Hofmeister has proposed a five-year plan to increase teacher pay. However, a projected budget shortfall threatens her proposal.
As a community-supported news organization, KGOU relies on contributions from readers and listeners to fulfill its mission of public service to Oklahoma and beyond. Donate online, or by contacting our Membership department.
