NSU awards TAP partnership funding to Muskogee & Tahlequah school districts

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Northeastern State University (NSU) and the Alternative Certification for Educators (ACE) Institute have awarded partnership funding to Muskogee Public Schools and Tahlequah Public Schools through the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education’s Teacher Acceleration Program (TAP).

Each district was awarded $20,000 to support STEM education initiatives that strengthen STEM instruction and PK–12 student preparation in Oklahoma classrooms.

University and district leaders formally presented the awards on Dec. 17. The funding supports statewide efforts to address Oklahoma’s teacher shortage, particularly in high-need areas such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The awards were made through a competitive grant process administered by the state regents using American Rescue Plan funding. NSU’s College of Education received the grant to support TAP and alternative certification programs for professionals transitioning into teaching.

In addition to teacher preparation, the funding allows Northeastern to invest directly in partner districts. Schools will use the funds to expand STEM curriculum and provide hands-on learning opportunities for students. Both Muskogee and Tahlequah Public Schools support the program by hosting mentor teachers and providing field-based learning environments for future educators.

Tahlequah Public Schools plans to use the funding to expand hands-on STEM learning as the district prepares to open a new STEM center.

“This funding will be a strong asset for our district,” DeAnne Mashburn, assistant superintendent of Tahlequah Public Schools, said. “Our students are already engaged in STEM learning and this support allows us to expand those opportunities and strengthen the tools and experiences that help them succeed.”

Muskogee Public Schools will focus its funding on strengthening science instruction at the secondary level.

“This funding allows us to modernize science instruction for our sixth- through ninth-grade classrooms,” Lisa Yahola, executive director of secondary education at Muskogee Public Schools, said. “By purchasing updated lab equipment, we can better prepare students with essential laboratory skills while meeting the expectations of 21st-century learning. Our students are hungry for hands-on engagement, and these resources help bring science to life.”

NSU leaders said partnerships with K–12 districts are central to the university’s mission to support educator workforce development across the region.

“What matters most is that this funding creates a reciprocal benefit: students receive stronger learning opportunities, while districts strengthen and sustain their current workforce of both traditionally and alternatively prepared educators who are deeply connected to their communities. This work is not simply about addressing teacher shortages; it is about building trust between the university and our K–12 partners and ensuring that educator preparation and support are responsive, place-based and grounded in real classroom needs. That alignment is what makes the impact meaningful and lasting,” Dr. Cambiano, ACE Director, said.

Building on that focus, NSU President Rodney Hanley emphasized the university’s broader commitment to strengthening Oklahoma’s educator workforce through collaborative partnerships.

“NSU is proud to work alongside our K–12 partners to support pathways that bring more well-prepared teachers into Oklahoma classrooms,” Hanley said. “Programs like TAP reflect our shared commitment to strengthening education in our region and ensuring every student is taught by a caring, knowledgeable and highly qualified teacher.”

For more information about the ACE Institute at Northeastern State University, visit nsuok.edu/ACE.

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Muskogee Public Schools and Northeastern State University leaders, left to right: Amy Johnson, Admissions Coordinator, TAP (NSU); Dr. Vanessa Anton, Dean, College of Education (NSU); Ana Landsaw, Director, TAP (NSU); Lisa Yahola, Executive Director of Secondary Education (MPS); Ginger Baker, Executive Director of Elementary Instruction (MPS); President Hanley; Donna Parker, Federal Programs Director (MPS); and Dr. Renee Cambiano, Director, ACE Institute (NSU).

Tahlequah Public Schools and Northeastern State University leaders, left to right: Amy Johnson, Admissions Coordinator, TAP (NSU); Dr. Vanessa Anton, Dean, College of Education (NSU); DeeAnn Mashburn, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education and Human Resources (TPS); Ana Landsaw, Director, TAP (NSU); President Hanley; and Dr. Renee Cambiano, Director, ACE Institute (NSU).