The Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) Foundation sends this information as posted below:
On April 24, the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation (OKCPS Foundation) celebrated Teacher Pipeline Program participants for completing their degrees at the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO). Since 2016, the Teacher Pipeline Program (TPP) has produced 34 new educators, marking a key milestone in building a stronger, more sustainable teacher workforce for Oklahoma City Public Schools.
The OKCPS Foundation created the Teacher Pipeline Program in response to the statewide teacher shortage. TPP provides a debt-free pathway for OKCPS paraprofessionals to earn their degree and become certified teachers for OKCPS. The OKCPS Foundation provides funding for tuition, books and fees allowing participants to complete their degree while remaining employed as OKCPS paraprofessionals. In exchange, participants commit to teaching in OKCPS for at least three years after graduation.
“These nine graduates are the epitome of determination, grit and commitment. They are shining examples of what is possible when strategic partnerships and community investment come together. ” said OKCPS Foundation President & CEO Kendra Horn. “ Our Teacher Pipeline Program is not only transformational for the graduates, but also for OKCPS students. That’s why we are committed to removing barriers and investing in our future by building a dedicated workforce together.”
“When a child walks into a classroom and sees a teacher who truly knows them—their name, their story, their dreams—that’s not just teaching. That’s transformation. It was a joy to celebrate our graduates who chose to stay, to serve, and to lead right here in OKCPS,” said OKCPS Superintendent Dr. Jamie Polk. “These nine remarkable educators are now part of our family of nearly 2,700 teachers who make this a First Choice district. And beyond that, they’re stepping into a statewide community of over 40,000 educators who are shaping what’s possible for every child in Oklahoma.”
The nine participants honored at this event include:
Fall 2024 Graduates:
- Karen Calvin
- Citlali Cosio
- Abigail Fernandez
- Mayra Rodriguez
Spring 2025 Graduates:
- Thomas Deion Lewis
- Analysha Molinar
- Brenda Villalobos
- Israel Villalobos
- Tracy Watson
The celebration was generously sponsored by OGE Energy Corp.
“Workforce development starts with education,” said Sean Trauschke, Chairman, President and CEO of OGE Energy Corp. “By supporting programs like the Teacher Pipeline, we’re helping ensure that students in Oklahoma City have the passionate, prepared educators they deserve, and that our communities have the strong schools they need to thrive.”
The OKCPS Foundation Teacher Pipeline Program is made possible through partnerships with OKCPS, Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC), OSU-OKC and UCO and with the support of generous donors who recognize the value of this program as a tool for teacher recruitment, retention and workforce development.
For more information about the OKCPS Foundation, visit www.okckids.com.
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