Oklahoma’s Education System: From 49th in the Nation—But Still in Crisis

Tulsa, OK — In 2011, Oklahoma ranked 17th in the nation for education, a sign of a once-thriving system. But a decade later, the state plummeted to 49th, one of the lowest rankings in the country. The state’s education system remains underfunded, understaffed, and undervalued—leaving our teachers and students struggling.

One major issue is teacher compensation. Oklahoma’s average teacher salary is $55,505, ranking 43rd in the nation, well below the national average of $66,397. Starting salaries remain as low as $35,000, forcing many educators to leave for better-paying states or even change careers altogether. In 2018, teachers took to the streets in a historic walkout, demanding better pay and funding. While progress was made, it was only a start.

“Our teachers are not babysitters. They are shaping the next generation, yet we pay them less than many entry-level jobs,” said Don Smolen, attorney and founder of Smolen Law. “If we trust them with our children’s future, we need to compensate them fairly. It’s time to invest in education like our future depends on it—because it does.”

The impact of this crisis is clear. Oklahoma ranks 46th in per-student spending, averaging $10,951 per student—far below the $15,368 national average. Larger class sizes, outdated materials, and teacher shortages are all symptoms of a system in decline. If Oklahoma wants to reclaim its place as a leader in education, it must start with prioritizing teachers.

Investing in education means:
✔ Competitive teacher salaries to attract and retain talent.
✔ More classroom funding for supplies, technology, and student resources.
✔ Smaller class sizes so students get the attention they need.

“At Smolen Law, we fight for justice every day, and that extends beyond the courtroom,” Smolen continued. “A strong education system creates stronger communities, a better workforce, and a brighter future for Oklahoma. The Alpha Firm stands with Oklahoma’s teachers and students—we must do better.”

Oklahoma was once a model for education. We can be again—but only if we act now.

Smolen Law urges Oklahomans to contact their state representatives and demand increased education funding. To find your legislator, visit www.oklegislature.gov.

For more information or to get involved in advocating for stronger education policies in Oklahoma, contact Smolen Law at marketing@smolen.law or call (918) 777-4LAW.