Financial Aid

Selected ELO participants proceed with the NBPTS certification process with exceptional support from the State of Oklahoma. This support includes:

• Full funding for the $2,500 application fee
• Pertinent training and workshops with Oklahoma Commission for Teacher Preparation, Southeastern Oklahoma State University and Regional Coordinators
• Funding for support mentors from Oklahoma universities

Seeking National Board Certification is no easy task and is extremely time intensive. National Board Certification requires:

• An average of 200-400 hours of individual work
• Complete support from colleagues and supervisors

Many rewards come with achieving National Board Certification. Some of these include:

• $5,000 annual salary stipend (as per regulation and funding)
• More attractive vocational path for all teachers
• Retaining younger generations of teachers who are drawn to other careers offering greater promise for advancement
• Higher level of prestige