Oklahoma legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Oklahoma SB2045: Schools; Grow Your Own Educator Program; eligible school district; funds; alternative certification pathway. Emergency.
Status: Signed into law, May 12, 2026
What the bill says
An Act relating to schools; amending Section 1, Chapter 493, O.S.L. 2025 (70 O.S. Supp. 2025, Section 698.4), which relates to the Grow Your Own Educator Program; modifying definition of eligible school district; eliminating references to matching funds; providing option for eligible schools to receive program grants for employees taking an approved alternative certification pathway; updating district and Department reporting dates; allowing tuition and fee reimbursement for employees enrolled in approved alternative certification coursework; providing examples of eligible coursework…
From the enrolled text, May 6, 2026:
An Act relating to schools; amending Section 1, Chapter 493, O.S.L. 2025 (70 O.S. Supp. 2025, Section 698.4), which relates to the Grow Your Own Educator Program; modifying definition of eligible school district; eliminating references to matching funds; providing option for eligible schools to receive program grants for employees taking an approved alternative certification pathway; updating district and Department reporting dates; allowing tuition and fee reimbursement for employees enrolled in approved alternative certification coursework; providing examples of eligible coursework; requiring the State Board of Education to promulgate rules; and declaring an emergency. SUBJECT: Schools SECTION 1. AMENDATORY Section 1, Chapter 493, O.S.L. 2025 (70 O.S. Supp. 2025, Section 698.4), is amended to read as follows: Section 698.4. A. As used in this section, "eligible school district" means a public school district or public school district foundation in this state that has established a program to provide tuition or loan repayment assistance to school district employees who pursue: 1. Pursue an undergraduate degree from a teacher preparation program accredited by the Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability leading to a standard teaching certificate; or 2. Are enrolled in nondegree-seeking coursework required for completion of an approved alternative certification pathway from a teacher preparation program accredited by the Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability leading to a standard teaching certificate. B. There …