Frequently Asked Questions for Certification

Frequently Asked Questions for Certification

1. What if I am graduating with a Master's degree in School Counseling, Library Media Education, Educational Leadership or Reading?

Answer: Contact Kristy Farris, Coordinator of Teacher Certification, kfarris2@uco.edu or 405-974-5447.

2. What if I want to add an area to my existing certification? Answer: If you currently hold a teaching certification, in many cases you may add a certification by just taking the appropriate OSAT. If you have any questions, please contact the State Department of Education at 521-3337 or Kristy Farris 974-5447.

3. What if I want to teach, but do not have a teaching degree? Answer: You may be eligible to seek certification under the Oklahoma Alternative Placement Program or the Career Development Program for Paraprofessionals.

4. What is the Oklahoma Alternative Placement Program? Answer: The Oklahoma Alternative Placement Program provides an opportunity for individuals with nonteaching degrees to teach in Oklahoma accredited schools. The eligibility requirements are: - Have a minimum of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college/university. - Have a major in a field of study that corresponds to an area of Oklahoma certification for a Secondary Certificate, or a Career and Technology Education Certificate. - Have at least a 2.5 cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA). - Document two years of work experience in your degree field area or completion of post-baccalaureate coursework related to your degree field area. -

5. What if I am an emergency certified teacher? Answer: Emergency certification is only used when a district has exhausted every option to find an appropriately certified person for the open position. If you are current an emergency certified teacher, your letter from the SDE will have information that should be completed within that school year.

6. What if I am a paraprofessional? Answer: You must meet the following requirements before applying for certification through the Career Development Program: - Hold a bachelor's degree in any area of study from an accredited college/university and a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA - Have at least one year of experience in a public school in the area for which a teaching certificate is being pursued. The school should document the specific experience earned on letterhead. - Pass the Oklahoma General Education Test (OGET), pass at least one Oklahoma Subject Area Test (OSAT) in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education or Special Education (Two certificates areas are required to be the Special Education Teacher of record), and pass the Oklahoma Professional Teaching Exam (OPTE). - Within three years, complete 12 semester hours of professional education coursework from an accredited institution of higher education which has an accredited program related to the certificate area sought. The 12 semester hours must include a minimum of 3 semester hours in reading instruction.

- You must provide a favorable recommendation or verification that you have completed your 12 hours from an Oklahoma college.

7. Does UCO offer coursework to fulfill my certification requirements as determined by the State Department of Education?

Answer: Yes, UCO offers coursework to fulfill the certification requirements as determined by the State Department of Education. The Coordinator of Teacher Certification can assist you with determining coursework.

For additional information please contact Kristy Farris, Coordinator of Teacher Certification, kfarris2@uco.edu or 405-974-5447.

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