Our Crowdfunding Groups
The students studying in OU's teacher education program in the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education work very hard to earn their degree so that they can teach the next generation of K12 students. However, before they can walk across the graduation stage and into their very own classroom, they have to pass a series of background checks and certification tests mandated by the state of Oklahoma (or any state in which they choose to teach).
These background checks and certification tests cost money, and right now, students are responsible for paying these costs.
These costs come at the worst possible time - when many of these students have had to give up their jobs in order to devote themselves full-time to their student teaching internship. Certification and background check costs are in addition to their tuition and fees for OU. Around this same time, these students will also be paying graduation related costs (cap and gown) as well as buying professional clothing and supplies for their future classrooms.
Small gifts to cover the costs of certification tests and background checks can make a BIG difference for students as they try to conquer their last hurdle before teaching. $15, $30, or $59 may be all that's standing between a qualified pre-service teacher and their classroom full of students. With graduation coming up in May, our students will be needing support quickly.
Many people have been wondering how they can make a difference during this turbulent time in education in Oklahoma. Whether you give or not, please SHARE this campaign with your social networks as a simple way we can all have a positive impact on our future teachers.
When we hit our goal of $2000, we will be able to fully pay for the certification fees and background checks for 5 students, with some money to partially pay for other students' costs.
A $15 gift means $15 less one of our students has to find for their background check or certification tests.
$30 will cover a student's registration fee for their teacher certification tests.
$59 will cover the fee for the criminal background check which all teachers must pass before being allowed in a classroom.
$120 is an average amount for a subject area test or professional teaching exam. Our students will have to take at least 1 subject area test (usually 2 or 3) and the professional teaching exam.
$359 is the total cost one student teacher would have to pay including their registration fee for certification tests, their subject area test, the professional teaching exam, and the criminal background check.
