OC Education Professor invited to address how OC programs are helping meet public school needs

Through his opinion article shared throughout the state, Billie McConnel showed how colleges and universities can help support future teachers in Oklahoma.

This summer, Oklahoma’s largest newspaper featured Oklahoma Christian University for a perspective on how to help better prepare future teachers in Oklahoma. Colleges and universities in the state need to be able to meet the needs of current and future educators. OC Associate Professor of Education Billie McConnel gladly spoke about the university’s work to make educational certifications more accessible for all Oklahomans.

As the nation faces substantial teacher shortages, public school employees are faced with many difficulties in and outside of the classroom. In Oklahoma, where circumstances are unprecedented, the education required for teachers is not easily accessible. Yet, educators are doing their absolute best with what they are given. 

McConnel discussed the importance of OC’s paraprofessional programs, which are allowing individuals to have a flexible timeline, based on personal circumstances. This allows individuals who are working full-time in the school system to achieve a teaching degree online. OC’s paraprofessional program has lessened the educational obstacles by helping numerous individuals easily access and start their path to being full-time educators. 

In addition, this past spring, Oklahoma’s Legislature took a focus on improving the state's education by passing HB 4388, the Teacher Empowerment Revolving Fund, and HB 3564, Oklahoma Future Teacher Scholarship and Employment Incentive Program.  

McConnell argued that with continued help from both universities and the state legislature, Oklahoman education can begin to improve in quality and accessibility.