Standridge Files Bill to Address Oklahoma's Teacher Shortage

OKLAHOMA CITY — Senator Lisa Standridge, R-Norman, has filed legislation to address Oklahoma’s teacher shortage by creating more pathways for students to pursue education careers earlier in their schooling.

Standridge’s Senate Bill 1893 would create the Teacher Shortage Reduction Act, a new initiative to identify high school students who show an early interest in education and help guide them toward becoming certified teachers or working in classroom support roles. 

“We have high school students across Oklahoma who already feel called to teach,” Standridge said. “The Teacher Shortage Reduction Act helps recognize that interest early and make it easier for each of those students to turn their passion for education into a successful career.”

Under the bill, school districts would be required by the 2027–2028 school year to formally recognize students who identify teaching or education as a career goal and who participate in education-related apprenticeship, internship or mentorship programs. That recognition would appear on a student’s diploma and academic transcript.

The legislation also directs the State Regents for Higher Education to establish an education designation for students who graduate high school with 30 or more college credit hours or an associate’s degree through concurrent enrollment. Students earning this designation would be eligible for admission into a university’s college of education and could receive credit for relevant hands-on learning experience while in high school.

“Oklahoma schools are short more than 700 teachers this school year,” Standridge said. “This legislation takes a no-cost approach to strengthening the teacher pipeline by connecting students who are interested in education with real-world learning opportunities early on, so they’re better prepared to step into the classroom after graduating college.”

SB 1893 will be eligible for consideration when the legislative session begins on Monday.

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For more information, contact: Sen. Lisa Standridge at (405) 521-5535 or Lisa.Standridge@oksenate.gov