With an intent to address a critical shortage of college-prepared elementary school teachers, Rogers State University will launch a Bachelor of Science degree program in elementary education starting in the upcoming fall semester.
The program was approved by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education in June, and the Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability granted its approval on July 16.
As a former dean for the College of Education at Liberty University, and a public school teacher and administrator in Oklahoma, the program is a source of pride for Dr. Don Raleigh, president of RSU.
“This is truly an historic event for Rogers State, and it will be an impactful one for schools in northeast Oklahoma as they will have greater opportunities to employ well-educated and professionally trained teachers,” Ralegh said. “Establishing a teacher education program continues a commitment from RSU to develop and grow academic programs that address workforce challenges in critical occupational areas.”
RSU previously worked with Cameron University to offer an elementary education program on its Claremore campus. Cameron will teach out seniors in its program before closing its operations at RSU.
As RSU moved through the program approval process, it became evident it had been decades since a public university in Oklahoma had sought approval for a new teacher education program.
Plans call for RSU to add secondary education and other specialties to its degree program at a later date.
Admission into the program is required. Current RSU students who wish to enroll in the program are asked to contact Skylar Crisenbery, academic advisor for education, at [email protected]. New students to RSU should apply to RSU the normal admissions process.
The State of Oklahoma offers financial incentives for future teachers. Inspired to Teach offers qualified Oklahoma college students an opportunity to earn scholarships and benefits of up to $25,500 as they complete their Educator Preparation Program and teach in Oklahoma.
RSU is the Tulsa metro’s only public four-year residential university. The fall semester begins August 18.