Central Tech Launches New Teacher Prep Program

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Central Tech, a technical college in Drumright, Oklahoma, is introducing a new career program for high school juniors and seniors that will provide them with a deeper understanding of the teaching profession, meaningful classroom experience, and the confidence to pursue an education degree.

Why it matters

The new teacher prep program aims to address the ongoing teacher shortage in Oklahoma by inspiring and preparing the next generation of educators at the high school level. By exposing students to the realities of teaching early on, the program hopes to cultivate a stronger pipeline of future teachers for the state's schools.

The details

The teacher prep program at Central Tech's Drumright campus will launch in the 2026-2027 school year. It will give high school students the opportunity to explore various aspects of the teaching profession, from curriculum development to classroom management. Students will also gain practical experience through supervised internships in local elementary and secondary schools.

• The new teacher prep program will begin in the 2026-2027 school year.

What’s next

Central Tech plans to actively recruit high school students to enroll in the new teacher prep program, which they hope will become a pipeline for future educators in the state.