Recent results from the Oklahoma School Testing Program (OSTP) for the 2024-25 school year tell a story of gradual recovery and lingering challenges for Oklahoma City students. While students are continuing to recover from the learning loss caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, proficiency rates remain below pre-pandemic levels, highlighting the ongoing challenges schools face in helping students catch up.

Fuel OKC is proud to welcome Foluke Olorunnisola as our new Director of Quality Schools. A seasoned educator with 17 years of experience, Foluke brings a deep commitment to improving student outcomes, expanding access to excellent school options and creating sustainable, community-driven change. We sat down with her during her first week on the job to learn more about her journey, vision and hopes for Oklahoma City’s students and families.

As Oklahoma City faces a worsening teacher shortage, nonprofit Fuel OKC recently launched two strategic and innovative programs to build a stronger, more sustainable pipeline of educators.

Fuel OKC, a nonprofit committed to expanding access to quality public schools in Oklahoma City, is taking a dual approach to this problem: developing talent already working in classrooms and recruiting internationally trained educators.

"As we partner with schools to improve academic outcomes, one of the greatest barriers we face is the lack of well-prepared teachers,” Brent Bushey, Fuel OKC CEO said. “We can have the best strategies, the strongest leadership — but without a qualified teacher in every classroom, student success remains out of reach. We’re committed to changing that by building pathways for passionate, prepared professionals to step into the classroom and stay."

Educators and academic leaders seeking new opportunities are invited to the Oklahoma City Job Fair for Educators, Saturday, April 12, 10:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. at the Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library, 300 Park Place, Oklahoma City.

Hosted by the nonprofit Fuel OKC, this free event will bring together job seekers and hiring schools from across the metro area, providing a unique opportunity to explore teaching and leadership roles in a variety of Oklahoma City’s public schools.

Strong leadership is essential for schools to thrive, as it fosters high expectations that drive academic excellence and student success. With a commitment to equipping Oklahoma City school leaders with the skills they need to navigate challenges and guide their schools toward excellence, Fuel OKC is launching a comprehensive leadership training — the Fuel Fellowship.