OSDE Offers Early-Career Teachers Free Support, Training and Stipends

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) announced their committal to ensure early-career teachers have opportunities to create sustainable careers in Oklahoma classrooms by offering free support, training and stipends.

Amid a teacher shortage, OSDE is introducing the First Class Teacher Induction Program. The First Class Teacher Induction Program is now accepting applications for teachers and instructional coaches through Sept. 16.

“I remember my first year teaching some 34 years ago. Thankfully, I had a master teacher and role model who I still draw from today. All new career teachers deserve a mentor to walk with them through those first critical years,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister. “The First Class program provides the sustained support and training early-career teachers need to effectively impact their students’ learning needs but also to help keep teachers in the profession for many years to come.”

The First Class program provides comprehensive support to guide early-career teachers in classroom management and instructional practices that engage students and improve their academic performance. The program can accommodate up to 300 first-year teachers, 200 second-or-third-year teachers and 60 virtual instructional coaches who have taught for at least three years.

The program will offer two pathways. One pairs first-year teachers with a site-based mentor teacher who is assigned by the school district, and in the other pathway, the second-and-third-year teachers work with a virtual instructional coach.

Kickoff activities begin in late Sept. 2022, with mentoring and coaching continuing through the end of the schoolyear.

Applications and schedules for participants can be found in the First Class application packet. Applications must be completed by Sept. 16.