NSU expands pathway to teacher certification through state partnership

Partnership with the Oklahoma State Department of Education provides funding and support to help emergency-certified educators earn full teacher certification

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Northeastern State University (NSU) has partnered with the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) to assist emergency-certified educators in becoming fully certified classroom teachers. The partnership strengthens Oklahoma’s educator workforce by reducing financial barriers and expanding access to certification.

As part of the partnership, NSU will deliver the program through its ACE Institute (Alternative Certification for Educators), which helps emergency-certified educators complete the training and requirements for standard teacher certification. The program is designed for participants to earn their certification in one academic year or less.

NSU will provide a scholarship for up to 12 credit hours and will provide special mentoring and expanded student support. Emergency-certified educators will also have certificate testing fees covered. These master’s level courses are available online and have the flexibility to be completed while participants are teaching full time.

Ana Landsaw, ACE director, said the partnership with OSDE will help address barriers to educator preparation such as financial support, resources and guidance.

“Oklahoma continues to face a significant teacher shortage, particularly in rural communities and high-need content areas,” said Landsaw. “Our goal is to not only help more individuals earn certification and navigate the process, but also guide them so they can focus on becoming effective educators and leaders.”

By addressing these barriers and investing in mentorship and student support, the partnership will help more emergency-certified educators transition into fully certified classroom teachers, strengthening the state’s educator workforce.

NSU President Rodney Hanley emphasized that the partnership will strengthen the educator workforce by elevating Oklahoma’s emergency-certified teachers.

“This partnership creates a stronger pathway for dedicated educators to continue serving Oklahoma students,” Hanley said. “Many emergency-certified teachers are already making a difference in classrooms across the state. With support from OSDE, they will have resources they need to earn full certification, advance their careers and continue serving students for years to come.”

Applications are open now for emergency-certified educators interested in earning full teacher certification. The fully online program begins Aug. 17 and offers additional start dates in October, January and March.

The ACE Institute recently earned a CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation) review with zero Areas of Improvement or Stipulations, making NSU Oklahoma’s only nationally accredited educator preparation program.

For more information, contact Ana Landsaw at 918-444-3777 or davis143@nsuok.edu.

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