The Oklahoma State Department of Education is working to clear a huge backlog of teacher licenses that the previous administration left unpicked. For many teachers, this is finally an opportunity to relieve the uncertainty about their career that had persisted for months or even years.
Impact on Teachers
Under former Superintendent Ryan Walters, a significant number of teaching certificates were either suspended or revoked for a variety of reasons, including statements made by educators online to conduct in the classroom. Joe White, an attorney for approximately 20 teachers through the Oklahoma Education Association, described the situation as quite frustrating.
“Imagine going to college for four years toward a teaching career, and you have suddenly put that career on hold for no due process,” White stated. “It has been terrible for these educators.”
Signs of Progress
At a recent State Department of Education meeting, seven of White’s clients made progress regarding their certification status. Some teachers had their licenses restored, while others received notices that a hearing would be scheduled for candor. For those still waiting, the simple fact that their cases are being dealt with now is a source of guarded optimism.
“Others were continued, but they are being dealt with and we find that quite hopeful and welcome the return of due process,” stated White.
New Leadership, New Focus
The update comes under the new leadership of State Superintendent Lindel Fields, who took on the role after Walters resigned to go into the private sector. Fields, and the Oklahoma Board of Education, has part of their new mission, to clear out the pending cases while educators were waiting. “Superintendent Fields and the board today were focused on completing actions that were holding people’s lives in limbo,” said Tara Thompson, communications director for the department.
Voices from the Frontline
Numerous educators impacted by the previous administration expressed that they felt “caught in a political tug-of-war.” As Thompson said, “From the outside, it is clear educators feel that they are being maligned and they are, to an extent, simply pawns in a political chess game called the workplace.
They are certainly right to feel that way!” Nevertheless, following the difficulties of the past, there is newfound hope within the teaching community. White noted the optimistic turn under new leadership: “Maintaining the positive trajectory that has existed for decades until the last few years, now that we have a new superintendent in place, is our current expectation.”
Looking Ahead
The recent meeting indicated that future board meetings will be pivotal in addressing unfinished work. Stakeholders expect these meetings to provide a more consistent and transparent process so educators can move on with their careers, without the burden of some unresolved suspensions.
For Oklahoma teachers, these actions serve as more than simply working toward administrative procedures; they are a rebuilding of trust and demonstrate that due process and recognizing educators as professionals can exist.
