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Fuel OKC is addressing the Oklahoma City teacher shortage with two innovative programs aimed at building a sustainable educator pipeline. The nonprofit, committed to expanding access to quality public schools in Oklahoma City, is developing classroom talent through degree programs and recruiting internationally trained teachers.
"As we partner with schools to improve academic outcomes, one of the greatest barriers we face is the lack of well-prepared teachers," said Brent Bushey, Fuel OKC CEO. "We can have the best strategies, the strongest leadership — but without a qualified teacher in every classroom, student success remains out of reach."
In partnership with Oklahoma Christian University, Fuel OKC's Paraprofessional Degree Program enables current classroom aides to earn a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies with an emphasis in education, preparing them for full teacher certification. The program creates a pathway for paraprofessionals already working in classrooms to become certified teachers.
Since launching in February, the program has received 46 applications, with 14 paraprofessionals currently enrolled at Oklahoma Christian.
Fuel OKC's response to Oklahoma City's teacher shortage includes a global recruitment approach. Through a partnership with Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla (UPAEP) in Mexico, the Oklahoma Teacher Pathway brings internationally trained teachers to fill high-need roles using the H-1B visa program.