OKCPS graduates can earn a teaching degree for free through new pipeline program

Greater Oklahoma City Chamber member Bank of America recently gifted $180,000 to fellow member Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation in support of the OKCPS High School to Teacher Pipeline Program, which allows graduates to pursue a teaching degree for free while working for the district.

“Our mission is to advance excellence, advocate for equity, and build strong community support for OKCPS, knowing that strong schools make for strong communities,” said Mary Mélon-Tully, Foundation president and CEO.

“Bank of America understands this too, and with their grant, we are able to expand our work to create a pathway for our diverse and bilingual OKCPS graduates to become certified teachers.”

Statistics show that students exposed to teachers who look like them, and can comprehend cultural differences, may show improvement in test scores, attendance rates, discipline issues, graduation rates, and more. 

“We are blessed to be part of one of the largest and most wonderfully diverse districts in our state,” said Dr. Jamie Polk, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education.

“These recent high school graduates who enter the teacher pipeline program know OKCPS and the challenges that many of our students and families face very well, making them an even more valuable piece of the life-changing work that happens in our classrooms.”

Oklahoma is not only in need of additional teachers, but the state is in need of multicultural instructors that can relate to the students being served. The OKCPS student population is 86 percent non-white, while only 18 percent of the teaching population is regarded as racially and ethnically diverse. 

“This grant directly supports programs that open viable and sustainable career pathways for both bilingual students and students of color in OKC, providing them with the tools and resources they need to complete their teaching degrees,” said Tony Shinn, Bank of America President, Oklahoma City.

Launched in 2016, the Bilingual Teacher Pipeline Program works with paraprofessionals, employed by the district, to become certified teachers. The High School to Teacher Pipeline Program was added in 2021, allowing multilingual and multicultural graduates who wish to become teachers the opportunity to work as paraprofessionals in OKCPS while attending college.

Melanie Garcia, the first participant in the OKCPS High to Teacher Pipeline Program, working as paraprofessional in Pre-K classroom at Thelma R. Parks Elementary.

Melanie Garcia will become the first OKCPS alum to begin the High School to Teacher Pipeline Program, after graduating from Northwest Classen High School in May. 

“I love the idea of being able to impact children’s lives, and I want to make a change in our world! I want to be a teacher," Garcia said.

The OKCPS Foundation supports students like Garcia through private funding, providing resources to help them navigate full-time jobs, family care, and attending college. Partnerships with Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City, Oklahoma City Community College, and Rose State College allow students to earn initial credits before completing their degree at the University of Central Oklahoma with all books, tuition, and fees covered.

“Paraprofessionals are so valuable in our classrooms, and these educators are the perfect candidates for the pipeline programs,” Thelma R. Parks Elementary School Principal, Jessica Johnson said.

“We are excited to help foster Melanie’s love of teaching here as we support her journey to becoming a certified teacher and welcome her into an OKCPS classroom of her own very soon!”

Bank of America's support for the pipeline program is the most recent initiative in a partnership with the Foundation that has been making a difference in Oklahoma City since 1992.

"This is possible thanks to innovative leadership at the OKCPS Foundation and our community partners at Bank of America. The impact of their investment will undoubtedly be felt well beyond the four walls of a classroom for many years to come," said Dr. Sean McDaniel, OKCPS Superintendent.

“It is no secret that our nation is facing a critical teacher shortage, and seeing future educators like Melanie choose to dedicate their lives to the classroom is inspiring. We are especially pleased to have her come back to OKCPS to make a difference for the young people who may follow in her footsteps.”