Emergency Certification for Educators (ELEVATE) | NSU

Who is eligible?

This program is available to educators who:

• Hold a valid Oklahoma Emergency Teaching Certificate.
• Have earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Are seeking to complete the requirements for standard Oklahoma teacher certification.
• Are willing to complete the required coursework and certification exams.

Funding is available for the first 200 eligible participants on a first-come, first-served basis.

What does the program provide?

Participants in the ACE Emergency Certification Pathway receive comprehensive support to help them transition from emergency certification to standard teacher certification. The program provides:

• Payment of required tuition and course fees.
• Funding for one attempt each of the required OSAT, APK, and FORT certification exams (as applicable to the participant's certification pathway).
• 100% online coursework designed for working educators.
• Multiple course start dates throughout the year, with classes beginning in August, October, January, March, May, and June.
• Individualized advising and certification planning.
• Guidance through Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) certification requirements.
• Assistance with course enrollment and navigating the certification process from start to finish.
• Ongoing support from the ACE team throughout the certification process.

What does it cost?

There is no cost for eligible participants. Through funding provided by the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE), the ACE Emergency Certification Pathway covers 100% of required tuition and course fees, as well as one attempt each at the required OSAT, APK, and FORT certification exams (as applicable to the participant's certification pathway).

Funding is limited to the first 200 eligible participants and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

How is coursework offered?

All coursework is offered 100% online, providing the flexibility working educators need to complete their certification requirements while continuing to teach. Courses are designed to fit the schedules of busy professionals, with multiple start dates available throughout the year in August, October, January, March, May, and June.

How long does the pathway take?

The ACE Emergency Certification Pathway is a grant-funded initiative that runs from August 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. Participants should work closely with an ACE advisor to develop an individualized certification plan and complete their required coursework and certification requirements within the grant period whenever possible.

What certification areas are included?

ACE is designed to support Oklahoma educators working toward standard certification after entering the classroom through emergency certification. Because certification requirements vary by teaching area and individual circumstances, each participant's pathway is reviewed to determine the coursework and requirements needed to progress toward standard certification.

Emergency-certified teachers may come to ACE from a variety of certification areas, including:

• Early Childhood Education
• Elementary Education
• Mathematics
• Science
• Physical Education/Health
• Other OSDE-approved certification areas

Not every certification area follows the same route to standard certification, and some areas may have additional or specialized requirements. ACE staff will work with prospective participants to review their current emergency certification, academic background, and teaching assignment to determine whether ACE can support their pathway and what steps may be required.

Not sure if your certification area is included? Contact the ACE team and we'll help you determine whether your current certification pathway aligns with the program.

What are the basic steps to participate?

Example: Complete interest form → eligibility review → meet with ACE → begin coursework → complete OSDE requirements.

How does someone apply or show interest?

If you're interested in the ACE Emergency Certification Pathway, contact our team to discuss your eligibility and next steps. We'll answer your questions, explain the certification process, and help you get started on your pathway to standard Oklahoma teacher certification.

Because funding is limited, participation is available on a first-come, first-served basis for the first 200 eligible participants.

Are there deadlines?

There is no fixed application deadline for the ACE Emergency Certification Pathway. Eligible participants are encouraged to contact the ACE team as early as possible to begin the enrollment process.

Courses begin throughout the year in August, October, January, March, May, and June, allowing participants to start at multiple points during the grant period. Because funding is limited, participation is available on a first-come, first-served basis for the first 200 eligible participants.