• OKCPS Foundation Teacher Pipeline 2027-28 Application

  • APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, January 8, 2027

    PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The OKCPS Foundation Teacher Pipeline Program (TPP) is the largest and most successful grow your own educator program in Oklahoma. Established in 2016, TPP provides a debt-free pathway for OKCPS paraprofessionals to earn their degree and become certified teachers for OKCPS through close partnerships with OKCPS, the University of Central Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Community College, and OSU-OKC. 

    The OKCPS Foundation pays for all tuition, books, and fees and provides wrap-around support, allowing participants to complete their degree while remaining employed as OKCPS paraprofessionals. In exchange, participants commit to teaching in OKCPS for at least three years after their graduation and certification.

     

    WHO CAN APPLY?

    • Paraprofessional Track 
      Currently employed as an OKCPS Paraprofessional with a minimum of 1 year in this position by the application deadline
      Cannot have bachelor’s degree

     

    • High School Track
      OKCPS high school senior graduating in May
      Minimum 2.75 high school GPA
      Employed as OKCPS paraprofessional by August 1 (Must be 18 by August 1)

     

    BASIC PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

    If selected for the program, participants must:

    • Remain employed by OKCPS as a paraprofessional throughout the program
    • Meet all requirements in the OKCPS Teacher Education handbook
    • Complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually
    • Grant access for the OKCPS Foundation to view enrollment, grades, and bursar account at your college
    • Enroll each semester
    • Maintain a grade point average of 2.75 or higher
    • Attend required program meetings and professional development sessions
    • Participate in program evaluation activities
    • Enroll in the Urban Teacher Preparation Academy (UTPA) the semester before student teaching
    • Be employed as a certified teacher in OKCPS for a minimum of three consecutive years immediately after completing bachelor's degree
    • Participants who do not complete the program for any reason are required to pay back the OKCPS Foundation for all expenses paid toward their education

     

    APPLICATION AND SELECTION TIMELINE

    • October 1, 2026 – January 8, 2027: Application open
    • January 31, 2027: All applicants notified whether or not they will move on to the interview round
    • January - February: Applicant interviews
    • February 28, 2027: All interviewees notified whether or not they are accepted to the program
    • March, 2027: Orientation session for new participants
    • New para participants begin college classwork in Summer or Fall 2027. High school seniors begin their new para jobs Fall 2027 and begin college courses Spring 2028.

     

    QUESTIONS?

    Email rachel@okckids.com

     

     

     

  • APPLICATION TYPE

  • Which Pipeline Track are you applying to?*

  • PERSONAL INFORMATION (REQUIRED)

  • Date of Birth*
     - -
    2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Have you been a resident of Oklahoma for at least one year?*
  • Please upload a copy of ONE of the ID options listed:*
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  • Do you have consistent access to reliable transportation?*
  • Do you have consistent access to a reliable internet connection and computer?*
  • T-shirt Size*

  • DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION (Does not affect eligibility)

  • Are you bilingual?
  • Gender
  • Race/Ethnicity (check all that apply)
  • Household composition
  • Household income
  • Do you have a disability or special need?

  • SCHOOL SITE INFORMATION

  • OKCPS Hire Date*
     - -
    2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year

  • EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

  • Where was your education obtained?*
  • Highest level of education obtained:*
  • Please upload a copy of ALL education verification documents that apply to you:*
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  • PROGRAM PLACEMENT PREFERENCES

  • School of preference for obtaining your Associates degree/general education credits:*
  • In which area do you wish to pursue teaching degree and certification?

  • LETTER OF INTEREST

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  • PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES

  • Please provide two references who meet the following requirements:

    • Must have known you for at least one year
    • Cannot be a family member
    • Able to speak to your work ethic and professional character
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.

  • I understand that withholding or falsifying information requested on this application may make me ineligible for admission to the program or subject to dismissal. I have read this application and certify that the statements I have made are correct and complete. 

    I have read, understand, and agree to abide by the program requirements outlined in the application should I be selected to participate. 

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