Teacher incentive program helps recruit urban-ready teachers to OKCPS

If there is one thing that everyone can agree on, it’s that the last year has been much more challenging than anyone expected and we are all tired of living through “unprecedented” events. Teachers, in particular, have stepped up more than ever to help their students and community through these difficult times. Their focus and number one priority is, and always has been, ensuring that our children are safe and that their educational and emotional needs are being met. They work hard because they have a calling to serve their students and make a difference in their lives.

Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) is the largest traditional school district in Oklahoma and they rely on community partners to help in achieving their goal of providing equitable access to a world class education. While OKCPS teachers are the highest paid in the state, the reality is that it is an ongoing challenge to recruit enough of these vital, talented individuals to lead our classrooms. This is not just an OKCPS problem; it is an issue across the country.

To help recruit and retain the best teachers, The Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools has started a teacher initiative program. To date five partners have generously stepped up with offers, but more help is needed. Partners already committed to this effort are: Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, The UPS Store, deadCenter Film, First Americans Museum and Robertson and Williams.

According to research done by the Center on Great Teachers and Leaders, providing an innovative incentive package is an important strategy that has proven results. OKCPS has about 2,700 teachers overall and plans to hire 350 additional teachers for next school year. Below are some ways community partners may be able to help OKCPS offer a competitive compensation package for new teacher hires:

• Housing: special mortgage rates, fee waivers, reduced rent
• Transportation: special financing options or lease pricing; bus passes
• Professional services: reduced fees for services
• Retail/Dining: free item or reduced pricing
• Attractions/Events: free or discounted pricing
• Utilities: fee/deposit waivers
• Other services: gift cards or dedicated teacher discount days; any ideas are welcome

Deputy Superintendent Jason Brown said, "‘We have great schools’ is the most compelling reason any community can provide to potential citizens and businesses looking for a place to relocate or establish their roots. Great schools start with good leadership and great teachers. As such, any community looking to have great schools should be highly involved in the recruitment and retention of great teachers. In a time when teachers in general are in short supply, the stakes couldn’t be any higher and successful recruitment efforts must be an all-hands-on-deck approach."

If you or your company are interested in helping OKCPS support and thank teachers, please contact Mary Mélon at The Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools ([email protected] or 405-604-5977) with any questions.