NEWS
NORMAN, OKLA. – Amidst a state-wide shortage of qualified teachers, the University of Oklahoma Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education (JRCoE) has experienced a 22% increase in freshmen enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year.
A severe teacher shortage, documented by a 2023 study placing Oklahoma among the lowest in teacher-student ratios, has gripped the state. This shortage is due to realities such as an overall decline in graduation rates from Oklahoma’s teacher education programs, a generation of teachers entering retirement, and an increasing number of educators leaving the profession. However, JRCoE is addressing these needs head-on, and the current enrollment numbers show the results.
“We work every day to recruit, retain and prepare the next generation of comprehensively prepared teachers – educators who will return to their communities as teachers and positively impact the lives of their students and their families,” said Stacy Reeder, dean of the college.”
To address this shortage through proactive and intentional steps, the college has implemented both the Find Your Future Summer Education Camp and OU Teacher Bound, an on-campus preview day for potential future educators. Find Your Future offers high school students from underserved populations interested in becoming educators a chance to learn more. Participants experience the field of education, plan their path to becoming educators, and receive mentoring from OU faculty, staff, and current education students.
The college also financially supports future educators, ensuring they can graduate without the burden of significant debt. Through various scholarship programs, students who apply and are accepted can receive up to $65,000 in aid and benefits across all four years of their degree and their first four years of teaching in Oklahoma
“We are excited about the significant increase in our freshman class of future teachers,” said Reeder. “We know that every graduate from our college is well-prepared and ready to make an immediate impact in the classroom by transforming the lives of their students and improving learning outcomes from day one.”
What JRCoE students say about their future in education:
Gracelyn Becka, a mathematics education major
“When I think about becoming an educator, I most look forward to building connections with my students and ensuring they feel safe, loved, and seen. I also really look forward to seeing students overcome obstacles and understand hard concepts. There is nothing better than seeing a student who has been struggling with an idea finally understand it and see the lightbulb switch on in their eyes. Knowing I will be making a difference in my future students’ lives is what drives me to want to become the best teacher possible for them.”
Ty James, an elementary education major
“I am most looking forward to making memories with my students. I chose to go into teaching because I love being the person to take a leadership role in young kids’ lives.” James would tell others considering the field of education to go for it if they are ready to make an impact in children’s lives and ready to be the leader students are seeking.
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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