Why would you make it harder to hire teachers in Oklahoma?
In “Education Watch: Naturalization Test for Teacher Certification Began This Month,” Oklahoma Watch reported August 21:
Superintendent of Schools Ryan Walters appears to be moving ahead with a requirement that prospective teachers pass a U.S. Naturalization test even though the Legislature rejected the idea.
The Senate rules committee approved the proposal in May, concerned it would deter qualified teachers from working in the state. [Sentence corrected by Oklahoma Watch, August 27.]
But the Department of Education began requiring the test Aug. 1 for all new teacher certification applicants, according to its website. The initial rule also applied to renewals, but the agency’s website says it won’t apply to teachers certified before Aug. 1.
It appears that only teachers pursuing traditional certification - not potentially thousands of new emergency certified or adjunct teachers hired for this school year - must take these tests. Yet only the Foundations of Reading assessment is required by law.
Yes, sports fans, these requirements are in addition to the “America First” anti-woke teacher test for educators from California and New York coming to Oklahoma to teach. If you enjoy seeing our state superintendent squirm through even basic questions, here’s one of many on the YouTubes.
Sadly, the State Department of Education also has quit allowing "walk-in" appointments with "Certification Specialists" though you can email teachercertification@sde.ok.gov or call 405-521-3337 if you have questions. …
Where has all this chaos in education and attacks on teachers from the state level led? Well, based on numbers I acquired through an Open Records Request earlier this month, a lot of new emergency certified and adjunct teachers - the latter of which do not need a college degree to be hired.
Got questions? Me, too. … But, let me know what your questions are, and we can try to find out together. Thanks, Wendy
