The Oklahoma State Department of Education has announced a new initiative to recruit and retain Special Education professionals from out of state. The initiative includes signing bonuses of $20,000 for experienced teachers and $10,000 for new teachers, as well as retention bonuses in the second year of teaching. State Superintendent Ryan Walters emphasized that Oklahoma is determined to lead the nation in attracting top-tier Special Education teachers. The state is expecting to bring in up to 110 new Special Education teachers with an investment of $1.875 million in bonuses and incentives.
The funding will be distributed directly to school districts, which will then provide the bonuses to eligible teachers. The application process for the 2025-2026 signing bonus program will run from May to September and will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Oklahoma is taking advantage of the flexibility provided by the elimination of the federal Department of Education under President Trump to innovate and provide customized solutions for students with disabilities. The state aims to become a national leader in offering exceptional Special Education services.
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