Building Oklahoma’s Future: OPSU’s Alternative Certification Program Prepares New Teachers

Goodwell, Okla - Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU) is stepping up to address one of the state's most urgent challenges: the growing need for qualified teachers. Through its fully online Alternative Certification program, OPSU is helping professionals transition into the classroom and prepare to guide the next generation of Oklahoma students.

Last year, 24 students successfully completed the program's course requirements, joining the ranks of educators ready to make an impact in schools across the state. For many, the program serves as a bridge between their current careers and a calling to teach, offering them the tools and confidence to succeed in classrooms from the Panhandle to Oklahoma City.

The demand for certified teachers continues to grow in Oklahoma, with schools across rural and urban areas alike facing shortages. OPSU's program was designed with this reality in mind, equipping future educators with practical skills they can immediately apply. Coursework emphasizes career readiness, focusing on classroom management, instructional planning, inclusive teaching strategies, and foundational educational practices.

Another unique feature of the program is its stackable micro-credentials. As learners progress, they earn digital badges through Credly, building both competency and a portable, recognized record of achievement. These micro-credentials align with the statewide UpskillOK initiative, ensuring that participants are not only classroom-ready but also connected to a broader effort to strengthen Oklahoma's workforce.

"OPSU's Alternative Certification program provides the knowledge, skills, and confidence that future teachers need to succeed," said Dr. Charla Lewis, Vice President of Academic Affairs. "We are proud to prepare educators who will step into Oklahoma classrooms ready to make an immediate and lasting impact."

President Dr. Julie Dinger emphasized the program's role in shaping the future of Oklahoma education. "Every teacher we help train through this program strengthens the future of education in the Panhandle and across the state. This program is about more than earning credentials; it's about building stronger schools and communities, creating a brighter future for Oklahoma."

With a 100% online format, OPSU's Alternative Certification program offers the flexibility professionals need to balance their current responsibilities while working toward certification. Students can complete coursework from anywhere in the state, making it especially valuable for those in rural areas where access to professional development opportunities is limited.

For OPSU, this program represents more than just an academic offering. It reflects the university's mission to serve its community and state. By preparing educators who will fill vital roles in Oklahoma classrooms, OPSU is investing in both the personal success of its students and the collective future of the state's children.

As Oklahoma continues to search for solutions to the teacher shortage, OPSU's Alternative Certification program stands out as a model of accessibility, innovation, and impact. With each graduating cohort, the program not only transforms the careers of its participants but also strengthens the foundation of Oklahoma's education system for generations to come.

About OPSU

Oklahoma Panhandle State University is a public university committed to access, academic excellence, and regional service. Located in Goodwell, Oklahoma, OPSU serves students from a wide range of backgrounds, with a strong emphasis on rural and first-generation learners. With career-focused programs in agriculture, business, education, nursing, science, and the liberal arts, OPSU offers a personalized learning experience grounded in small class sizes and close faculty support. The university is guided by the values of grit, collaboration, accountability, and a deep belief in the transformative power of education. These principles shape our commitment to student success and drive our impact on the communities we serve.