2015 Oklahoma Statutes
Title 70. Schools
§70-6-195. Residency program.

A. The State Department of Education shall administer a residency program for teachers which shall be approved by the State Board of Education. For the 2014-2015 school year, each school district shall have the option of participating in the residency program. Beginning with the 2015-2016 school year, each school district shall participate in the residency program. The program shall be developed in consultation with the teacher education institutions, the Oklahoma Commission for Teacher Preparation and the district boards of education. The program shall include, but not be limited to:

1. Guidelines and assignments for resident teacher positions in the school districts;

2. Requirements and guidelines for selection and appointment of mentor teachers which shall include any requirements specified in the Oklahoma Teacher Preparation Act;

3. Guidelines for the appointment and functions of a residency committee; and

4. An appropriate professional development, support, mentorship and coaching program for the resident teacher.

B. Any person who has been issued a certificate to teach by the Board may be employed on a temporary or continuing contract basis as a resident teacher by an accredited school upon appointment by the district board of education or by a private or public provider of early childhood education programs as authorized in Section 11-103.7 of this title.

C. Upon placement of a certified teacher in a resident teacher position at a public school, the district board of education shall appoint the residency committee members, as prescribed in the Oklahoma Teacher Preparation Act, who shall have the following duties:

1. Meet with the resident teacher as may be required by the Board;

2. Work with the resident teacher to assist in all matters concerning classroom management and professional development for that teacher; and

3. Provide professional support, mentorship and coaching for the resident teacher.

D. All resident years shall count toward salary, fringe benefit adjustments, career status and retirement.

E. Upon employment of a certified teacher in a resident teacher position by a private or public provider of early childhood education programs pursuant to a contract as authorized in Section 11-103.7 of this title and upon employment of a teacher with an alternative placement teaching certificate, the district board of education shall appoint the residency committee members, as prescribed in the Oklahoma Teacher Preparation Act. The residency committee members shall have the same duties as prescribed in subsection D of this section.

F. Nothing in this act shall be construed as requiring employment at the resident level before a standard certificate can be issued to a teacher.

G. The professional development program shall commence with the residency year and shall require continuing education throughout the career of a teacher.

Added by Laws 1995, c. 322, § 16, eff. July 1, 1995. Amended by Laws 2001, c. 403, § 1, eff. July 1, 2001; Laws 2003, c. 434, § 11; Laws 2009, c. 25, § 2, eff. July 1, 2009; Laws 2014, c. 124, § 20, eff. July 1, 2014.