OklahomaOklahoma law limits adjunct teachers’ elementary classes and employment
Starting in 2027–2028, adjunct teachers will face limits on teaching elementary core subjects and on how long districts may employ them, with waivers possible under stated conditions.
What it does
Public school districts may employ adjunct teachers with a high school diploma and distinguished qualifications in their field, as set by state board rules.
Starting in 2027–2028, adjunct teachers may not teach core subjects in pre-K through grade 5. Districts may seek waivers for teachers already in those roles who complete state-provided reading training.
Starting in 2027–2028, districts may not employ an adjunct teacher for more than five years unless they apply for a waiver. The state board may allow up to five additional years.
Argument forA waiver could let districts keep experienced adjunct teachers in elementary core classes if those teachers complete state-provided reading training.
Argument againstDistricts could lose experienced adjunct teachers from elementary core classes if the state board does not grant a waiver.
More detail
Public school districts may employ adjunct teachers with at least a high school diploma and distinguished qualifications in their field. This applies to adjunct teachers employed by Oklahoma public school districts. The State Board of Education must set the qualifications by rule. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.
Starting with the 2027–2028 school year, adjunct teachers may not teach core subjects in pre-K through grade 5. Core subjects include math, English language arts, science, and social studies in pre-K through grade 5. A district may apply for a state board waiver for an adjunct teacher it employed in a covered role before the 2027–2028 school year. The teacher must have completed or complete state-provided training in the science of reading for the waiver to be available. If granted, the waiver allows continued employment subject to the five-year limit and any waiver under subsection C. The teaching limit starts with the 2027–2028 school year.
Starting with the 2027–2028 school year, a district may not employ an adjunct teacher for more than five years unless it applies for a state board waiver. This applies to public school districts employing adjunct teachers. The waiver application must include the teacher’s distinguished qualifications. The State Board of Education may grant a waiver allowing employment for an additional five years. The five-year limit starts with the 2027–2028 school year.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- May 12Approved by Governor Kevin Stitt 05/12/2026Became Law
- May 6Sent to GovernorTo Governor
- Vote recorded Fourth Reading. Result: pass.Lower
- May 6Enrolled measure signed, returned to House
- May 6Enrolled, signed, to Senate
- May 6Referred for enrollment
- May 6Fourth Reading, Measure passed: Ayes: 80 Nays: 5Major
- May 6SA's read, adoptedMajor
- Apr 30SA's received
- Apr 30Engrossed to HouseMajor
- Apr 29Referred for engrossment
- Vote recorded Third Reading. Result: pass.Upper
- Apr 29Measure passed: Ayes: 45 Nays: 0Major
- Apr 29Title restored
- Apr 29Emergency removed
- Apr 29General Order, Amended by Floor Substitute
- Apr 9Placed on General Order
- Apr 7Title stricken
- Vote recorded Education. Result: pass.Upper
- Apr 7Reported Do Pass as amended Education committee; CR filedMinor
- Apr 1Second Reading referred to EducationMinor
- Mar 24First ReadingMinor
- Mar 24Engrossed, signed, to SenatePassed Senate
- Mar 23Referred for engrossment
- Vote recorded Third Reading. Result: pass.Lower
- Mar 23Third Reading, Measure and Emergency passed: Ayes: 91 Nays: 4Passed House
- Mar 23Coauthored by Representative(s) Waldron, Ranson
- Mar 23General Order
- Mar 3Coauthored by Representative(s) Provenzano
- Mar 3CR; Do Pass, amended by committee substitute Education Oversight CommitteeMinor
- Mar 2
- Vote recorded Education Oversight Committee: Do Pass As Amended By Cs. Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 19Emergency added
- Feb 19Authored by Senator Seifried (principal Senate author)
- Feb 19Coauthored by Representative(s) Pogemiller
- Feb 19Policy recommendation to the Education Oversight committee; Do Pass, amended by committee substitute Common EducationMinor
- Feb 3Referred to Common EducationMinor
- Feb 3Second Reading referred to Education OversightMinor
- Feb 2Authored by Representative Hilbert
- Feb 2First ReadingIntroduced
Education