NEWS
NORMAN, Okla. – The University of Oklahoma is helping address Oklahoma’s teacher shortage through a new, fully funded program designed to support emergency-certified teachers as they work toward full certification.
The Professional Readiness for Oklahoma’s Practicing Educators through Learning, or PROPEL, program launched this summer through OU’s Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education. The program provides the opportunity for current pre-K-12 teachers with emergency certification to earn graduate credit while continuing to teach in their classrooms.
Created in response to the growing number of emergency-certified teachers in Oklahoma, the program is designed to help educators build the instructional knowledge, classroom management skills and professional support systems needed to succeed in the long term.
“We know the number of emergency-certified teachers in Oklahoma has risen dramatically in recent years,” said Kristy A. Brugar, Ph.D., associate dean of the OU Graduate College and former department chair of OU’s Department of Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum. “Teachers are doing incredibly important work and PROPEL is one way we can help strengthen their preparation while they are actively in the classroom.”
Funded through the Oklahoma State Department of Education, PROPEL removes two major barriers many teachers face – time and cost. Participants’ coursework and travel support is fully funded. They earn graduate credits that may later apply toward a Master of Education degree.
The program is divided into two cohorts – one for pre-K-5 educators and one for grades 6-12. Teachers in the pre-K-5 cohort can earn 15 graduate credit hours, including a course in early literacy and reading, while teachers in the 6-12 cohort can earn 12 graduate credit hours.
Brugar said the hybrid format was designed to fit the realities of working teachers taking place over four semesters. Participants complete online instruction during the academic year and attend one in-person Saturday session each month on OU’s Norman campus.
The first cohort began online instruction June 10, arriving on OU’s campus June 25 for a three-day in-person workshop. About 40 teachers from across the state participated.
“Teaching is a highly skilled profession,” Brugar said. “It requires deep knowledge, intentionality and the ability to connect with students in meaningful ways. Our goal is to help these teachers feel more prepared and more supported as they serve students and families across Oklahoma.”
OU plans to offer a second PROPEL cohort beginning in May 2027. For more information, phone 405-325-1498 or email propel.teachers@ou.edu.
About the University of Oklahoma
Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. As the state’s flagship university, OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and health care needs of the state, region and nation. For more information about the university, visit www.ou.edu.
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