Teachers are responsible for one of the most important jobs in our state: educating the next generation of Oklahomans. Reading, writing, math, science and history are certainly part of that responsibility, but anyone who has spent time in a classroom knows the job extends far beyond academics. Teachers manage behavior, identify students who are falling behind, communicate with families, accommodate different learning needs, mentor young people and often provide stability for children who need it.
That is an enormous responsibility, and we should treat it like one. Supporting teachers does not mean educators are above criticism or that schools should receive unlimited funding without accountability. It means recognizing the value of good teachers and asking a practical question: What does Oklahoma need to do to attract talented educators, keep them here and give them the ability to succeed?
Oklahoma’s own data shows why this conversation matters. According to the Oklahoma Office of Educational Quality and Accountability, teacher retention remains a persistent challenge. Among teachers who entered Oklahoma classrooms in 2022 with standard certification, approximately 65% remained in the teacher workforce by year four. Retention was even lower among teachers entering through provisional and emergency certification pathways.
Oklahoma Office of Educational Quality and Accountability: Teacher Workforce Report
Losing teachers has consequences beyond filling an empty position. Experienced educators understand their communities, build relationships with families and develop skills that come from years in the classroom. If Oklahoma continually recruits teachers only to lose them a few years later, we are spending time and resources replacing people instead of building a stronger, more experienced education workforce.
Compensation is part of that discussion. The Oklahoma State Department of Education publishes teacher salary information and minimum salary schedules, giving taxpayers and policymakers a clear look at how educators are compensated across the state.
Oklahoma State Department of Education: Teacher Salary Information
Pay is not the only reason someone stays in a profession, but it is unrealistic to pretend it doesn’t matter. Oklahoma is competing for talented workers just like every other state, and teachers have to be part of that conversation.
Supporting teachers also requires acknowledging the responsibility of parents. Schools are an important part of raising educated, capable young people, but they cannot replace families. Reading at home, reinforcing lessons, addressing behavioral problems, encouraging attendance and making education a priority are responsibilities that extend beyond the classroom.
The same principle applies to administrators and state leaders. Teachers need appropriate resources, manageable expectations and support when classrooms become difficult. Taxpayers also deserve transparency about how education dollars are being spent. In March 2026, Gov. Kevin Stitt ordered a review of Oklahoma public-school spending, including an examination of classroom and administrative expenditures.
Office of the Governor: Oklahoma Public School Spending Review
These ideas are not contradictory. We can pay good teachers fairly, expect parents to participate, hold schools accountable and demand responsible use of taxpayer money at the same time. In fact, a successful education system probably requires all four.
This conversation matters even to Oklahomans who do not have children in public schools. Education affects the workforce businesses have available, the communities where families choose to live and Oklahoma’s ability to attract employers and professionals.
The students sitting in classrooms today will eventually become our nurses, doctors, attorneys, electricians, engineers, teachers, first responders, entrepreneurs and business owners. When Oklahoma produces educated, capable young adults, the entire state benefits. When we fail to prepare them, the consequences do not remain inside the school system.
That is why teacher recruitment and retention should also be viewed as an economic-development issue. Companies need skilled employees. Employees want strong communities and good schools for their families. Oklahoma’s education system is part of our ability to compete with other states for both.
The conversation about teachers should not be reduced to whether we simply spend more money. The goal should be to spend wisely, compensate talented educators competitively, keep experienced teachers in classrooms, involve parents and hold everyone responsible for student outcomes.
We should expect a lot from our teachers because their work matters. But when we place enormous responsibility on a profession, we should also provide the respect, resources and compensation necessary to attract good people and keep them doing that work.
Supporting Oklahoma teachers is not just an investment in education. It is an investment in our workforce, our communities, our economy and the future of Oklahoma.
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