OK HB1955

Changes the Oklahoma Commission for Teacher Preparation to the Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability and authorizes it with the State Board of Education to establish the Education Leadership Oklahoma program for National Board certification support.

Increases the maximum scholarship award from $500 to $1,800 for selected applicants to cover National Board certification costs, while maintaining the $1,300 cap for application and assessment fees.

Modifies repayment conditions to require applicants to repay full fees only if they fail to fulfill all submission requirements for National Board certification within the maximum allowable time frame set by the certification vendor, replacing the previous three-year deadline.

Expands the mentor program to allow all teachers seeking initial National Board certification (not just scholarship recipients) to participate in free Education Leadership Oklahoma mentoring for up to three years.

Adds language making reimbursement of certification costs contingent on availability of funding for applicants who do not receive up-front payment but successfully complete certification, with a maximum reimbursement of $1,800.

Becomes effective November 1, 2025.