September 5, 2026 Issue, Page 11 of 12

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The Elk City News SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2026 • 11 NEWS SWOSU’s Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway allows school employees to earn bachelor’s degrees and become fully certified teachers while continuing to serve their communities. Oklahoma Invests $500,000 in SWOSU’s Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway Southwestern Oklahoma State candidates can enter the appren- working toward teacher certifica- pathway once they become eligi- districts. SWOSU provides the children, their families, and the University (SWOSU) has re- ticeship and continue working in tion. ble. More than 50 current appren- college coursework, while part- communities they call home.” ceived $500,000 in Phase II fund- paid positions with partner dis- “This funding removes barriers tices are expected to complete the ner districts provide paid class- For more information about ing through TeachForwardOK tricts while finishing their SWOSU that have kept talented individu- pathway and become fully certi- room experience. SWOSU and SWOSU’s Registered Teacher Ap- to support its Registered Teacher coursework. The pathway requires als from becoming teachers while fied teachers by fall 2028. the Oklahoma Public School prenticeship Pathway, visit https:// Apprenticeship Pathway. The pro- a one- to two-year internship in giving rural districts the oppor- The Oklahoma Legislature Resource Center work with each www.swosu.edu/education/teach- gram helps school employees earn place of traditional student teach- tunity to grow their own educa- established TeachForwardOK district to align the pathway with er-apprenticeship.php. bachelor’s degrees and become ful- ing. Apprentices graduate with tors alongside the university,” said through Senate Bill 212 as a two- local workforce needs. About Southwestern Oklahoma ly certified teachers while continu- traditional bachelor’s degrees in Robyn Randol, SWOSU director year pilot for nontraditional “The Registered Teacher Ap- State University ing to serve their communities. education and meet all Oklahoma of Registered Teacher Apprentice- teacher candidates and emergen- prenticeship pathway represents Southwestern Oklahoma State This investment will prepare more teacher certification requirements. ship. “Together, we are creating a cy-certified teachers. The Office exactly what is possible when uni- University (SWOSU) was found- teachers for Oklahoma classrooms Phase I funding helped SWO- stronger, more accessible pathway of Educational Quality and Ac- versities, schools, and community ed in 1901 and offers more than while helping school districts de- SU establish the systems needed into teaching and a sustainable countability (OEQA) selected sev- partners come together around a 100 undergraduate and graduate velop educators from within their to operate the new pathway and teacher pipeline for rural Oklaho- eral universities to operate models shared need,” said Marla Pankratz, programs across three locations own schools. gather feedback for improvement. ma.” based on the needs of their regions chair of the SWOSU Department in Weatherford, Sayre, and Yukon. Registered Teacher Apprentice- The Phase II award moves that SWOSU began piloting the and student populations. OEQA of Education. “I am incredibly The university serves more than ships are nationally recognized support into direct program deliv- pathway last year, and its first co- described SWOSU’s program as proud of the leadership and ex- 5,000 students and prides itself on pathways approved through the ery. It will cover tuition and book hort is expected to complete the the most expansive among the traordinary work of Robyn Ran- affordability, small class sizes, and U.S. Department of Labor. SWO- costs for apprentices, stipends for program in December. The path- funded approaches. dol and our Department of Edu- over 200 faculty and staff commit- SU developed the pathway for mentor teachers and the contin- way now works with numerous The pathway is a collaboration cation faculty, who have embraced ted to helping students achieve paraprofessionals who already ued operation and development of school districts across Oklahoma. among SWOSU’s SWOSU’s De- this innovative pathway and the their academic and personal goals. work in schools but do not hold the program. The award is expect- A growing number of freshmen partment of Education, the Okla- students it serves. Ultimately, this For more information about bachelor’s degrees. After complet- ed to provide significant financial and sophomores have also ex- homa Public School Resource is an investment not only in teach- Southwestern Oklahoma State ing 60 college credit hours, eligible support to at least 37 apprentices pressed interest in entering the Center and participating school ers, but in Oklahoma’s youngest University, visit www.swosu.edu. MERRITT Recognizing Merritt athletes who consistently bring the best energy, attitude, and toughness to the weight room. This week’s Iron Oilers are Madi Flowers and Eric Merwin. Merritt Cross Country Team Yes Finance 1414 W. 3rd St., Elk City, OK We proudly support the students, staff and administration at Merritt Schools ~ Great Plains Bank 580.225.1525 ~ First National Bank LocalLoanGroup.com