USAO Offers Fall B Term Courses for the Grow Your Own Educator Program
Aspiring educators pursuing alternative certification in Oklahoma can now complete their required coursework entirely debt-free, thanks to the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s Grow Your Own Educator Program. USAO’s School of Education & Speech-Language Pathology is offering new, accelerated online courses tailored for alternative certification teachers starting this Fall B term on October 12, 2026.
Recruitment is officially underway for upcoming Fall B term classes, offering critical financial relief for participants interested in pursuing alternative teacher certification. Through the program, eligible alternative certification or traditional certification candidates employed and recommended by a school district can have 100% of their tuition, fees, and book costs covered as they work toward full teacher certification. This initiative removes financial hurdles for aspiring educators working toward their teaching credentials.
OSDE’s Grow Your Own Educator Program is designed to combat teacher shortages by cultivating local talent from within school communities. It covers approved teacher certification courses – such as pedagogy and classroom management courses – required for alternative placement pathways. It can also cover up to 124 hours of tuition, fees, and books for a traditional certification pathway.
The program offers several benefits to its participants, such as:
- Full Financial Coverage:Complete coverage for tuition, mandatory fees, and required textbooks for certification courses.
- Additional Pathways to the Classroom:Tailored specifically for alternative certification candidates seeking fast-track, accredited routes to standard licensure.
- Local Impact:Empowering educators to feel more prepared and supported while they complete certification requirements and continue to teach in their local district.
The Fall B term runs for 7 weeks; from October 12 through December 6, 2026. USAO is offering a robust selection of online alternative teacher certification courses designed to meet state requirements and fulfill micro-credential tracks. Once candidates successfully complete three applicable courses, they earn a digital badge and official transcript notation for the USAO micro-credential.
USAO Fall B Term Online Course Offerings:
- Classroom Management & Evaluation Theory (2 credit hrs)
- Educational Technology (3 credit hrs)
- Foundations of Literacy (3 credit hrs)
- Teaching (Social Studies, Science, Math, or English) in the Secondary School (3 credit hrs)
- Teaching Methods in P.E. (4 credit hrs)
- Special Education Clinical Experience – Level I (1 credit hr)
- IEP & Family Advocacy (3 credit hrs)
Candidates interested in applying can do so by visiting USAO’s application portal. For more information, contact Dr. Sarah Layman, Dean of the School of Education and Speech-Language Pathology, at slayman@usao.edu, or (405)574-1253. With classes beginning October 12th, candidates interested in the program are encouraged to apply and connect with Dr. Layman as soon as possible.
About USAO:
The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma is Oklahoma’s only public liberal arts college. Located in Chickasha, USAO is a distinctive institution offering a challenging interdisciplinary curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving. With a focus on broad-based education and civic responsibility, USAO prepares students to become well-rounded, adaptable leaders ready to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the world.
Contact: Hannah Thompson | 405-574-1362