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OKCPS Hosting Boot Camp to Certify Special Education Teachers

 

For Immediate Release

May 11, 2021

 

OKCPS HOSTING BOOT CAMP TO CERTIFY SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS

(Oklahoma City, OK) - Oklahoma City Public Schools is encouraging interested candidates to apply to receive their Special Education teacher certification by participating in a Special Education “boot camp” this fall. This non-traditional route to certification is a pathway that prepares candidates with the knowledge and skills necessary to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of a Special Education teacher throughout the state of Oklahoma. The camp is approved by the Oklahoma State Department of Education and consists of six Saturdays of training with OKCPS Special Education staff along with a 30-hour practicum. OKCPS is also offering a stipend to new special education teachers who join #TeamOKCPS for the 2021-2022 school year. 

“Working in Special Education is extremely rewarding. All teachers have a passion and a calling for what they do, but Special Education teachers get to have a daily impact on students’ lives,” said Special Education Director, Erin Trussell. “There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the moment a student has a breakthrough and witnessing day-to-day growth. If this sounds appealing to you, we would love to have you join my team and #TeamOKCPS.”

Requirements to apply are:

  • Have earned any four-year degree from an Institution of Higher Education holding Regional Accreditation; 

  • Have a grade point average of 2.75 or higher from a previous degree program;

  • Can pass a National Background check;

  • Have a recommendation from a representative at a school district or Higher Ed;

  • Commit to complete a master's degree or certification in special education (The OKCPS Sped department will reimburse for the master's program if they remain with OKCPS for at least 3 years) 

TENTATIVE Training dates for Fall 2021 are (8:00am - 3:30pm):

  • August 11

  • August 21

  • August 28

  • September 11

  • September 18

  • September 28

All training sessions will be held at the OKCPS Student Support Services Center at Westwood, located at 1701 Exchange Ave. OKC, OK 73108.

Interested candidates should complete the application found on our website at www.okcps.org/BootCamp by June 15, 2021.