Tackling Oklahoma City's Teacher Shortage with Innovative Pipeline Programs

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."

Paraprofessional Degree Program for Teacher Apprentices

In partnership with Oklahoma Christian University, Fuel OKC’s Paraprofessional Degree Program helps current classroom aides, or “paraprofessionals,” earn a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies with an emphasis in education — preparing them for full teacher certification.

“The paraprofessionals already in classrooms are passionate and committed to helping students succeed,” Bushey said. “This program creates a clear and affordable pathway for them to become certified teachers, lead their own classrooms and increase their earning potential.”

Since launching in February 2025, the program has received 46 applications, with 14 paraprofessionals currently enrolled in coursework at Oklahoma Christian. With five enrollment periods each year, the program is designed to provide flexibility for participants balancing work, school and family. It integrates on-the-job classroom experience with academic study and pairs students with mentors to support their growth.

Fuel OKC is helping remove financial barriers by offsetting the $8,000 annual tuition cost per student. Donors can help fund tuition through contributions to the Catalyst Education Fund, which qualify for a 75% state tax credit through the Oklahoma Public School Income Tax Credit Program, with the remaining 25% of the gift being tax deductible. To learn more or make a gift, visit www.fuelokc.org/donate.

“This work is about building stronger schools — and that takes all of us,” Bushey said. “For many paraprofessionals, cost is the only thing standing between them and a teaching degree. Donor support makes this pathway possible and ensures more Oklahoma City students have qualified educators in their classroom.”

Oklahoma Teacher Pathway

Fuel OKC’s second initiative takes a global approach to talent recruitment. Through a partnership with Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla (UPAEP) in Puebla, Mexico, the Oklahoma Teacher Pathway brings internationally trained teachers to fill high-need roles in local schools.

Using the H-1B visa program, which allows U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals in specialized fields, Fuel OKC has created a legal and sustainable route to recruit qualified teachers from abroad.

Out of 16 applicants, three educators were selected through a rigorous interview and vetting process. Each holds a bachelor's degree — some are experienced teachers while others are recent graduates. The selected teachers will relocate to Oklahoma in July 2025 and begin teaching at Santa Fe South Schools in August under a three-year commitment.

To support their transition, Fuel OKC is providing housing and is currently seeking donations to help furnish their apartments. Donations and gift registry links are available at www.fuelokc.org/donate.

“This partnership is an innovative, long-term solution to a local crisis,” Bushey said. “These educators are trained, passionate and ready to serve Oklahoma City students. With the right support, they’ll thrive — and so will their students.”

A Sustainable Solution to a Systemic Crisis

Fuel OKC’s two-pronged approach — investing in homegrown talent and building international partnerships — offers a proactive model for solving the teacher shortage crisis. Rather than relying on stopgap measures, these programs aim to create a stable pipeline of skilled, committed educators who will lead Oklahoma City classrooms for years to come.