First Class for Teachers in Oklahoma

The South Central Comprehensive Center (SC3) at the University of Oklahoma Outreach and the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) kicked off First Class initiative on September 19-20, 2018. During the first sessions, first-year teachers built a stronger foundation in classroom management while Donna Gradel (2018 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year), Oklahoma Rising Stars (teacher of the year finalists), and district teachers of the year revealed their experiences and insights on classroom management. The second sessions were held on October 24-25, 2018. Dr. Laura Riffel (the Behavior Doctor) gave a discussion which focused on positive interventions and effective strategies to improve classroom management decisions. 

SC3 and OSDE will continue to develop and facilitate this program focused on evidence-based practices of effective classroom management to support 25 elementary and 25 secondary first-year teachers throughout the 2018-19 school year. Future topics include establishing an orderly classroom environment, increasing time spent on meaningful academic engagement, and developing a classroom climate to foster intellectual, social, and emotional growth. Participants will meet together in six future sessions, as well as through an online learning platform. Through discussions, interactive presentations, and a book study, teachers will develop and enhance their classroom management plans and strategies for engaging students. SC3 supports OSDE’s premise to help every child, educator, and school succeed.

The contents of this website were developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education and are intended for general reference purposes only. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education or the Center, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. Some resources on this site require Adobe Acrobat Reader. This website archive includes content and external links that were accurate and relevant as of September 30, 2019.