OBU Hosts State Early Literacy Teacher Academy to Strengthen Reading Instruction Across Oklahoma
Educators from school districts across Oklahoma participate in the Early Literacy Teacher Academy at Oklahoma Baptist University. OBU was one of seven universities selected by the Oklahoma State Department of Education and the Oklahoma Educational Quality and Accountability agency to host the weeklong academy, which equips kindergarten through third-grade educators with evidence-based literacy instruction.
Oklahoma Baptist University recently hosted the Early Literacy Teacher Academy on Bison Hill, a weeklong professional development program designed to equip kindergarten through third-grade educators with evidence-based literacy instruction aligned with new requirements under Oklahoma’s Strong Readers Act.
OBU was one of only seven universities selected by the Oklahoma State Department of Education and the Oklahoma Educational Quality and Accountability agency to host the intensive 40-hour academy.
Twenty-one teachers and reading interventionists representing school districts across central and eastern Oklahoma completed the training. Participants spent the week studying the Science of Reading, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support and standards-aligned literacy instruction while developing practical strategies they can immediately implement in their classrooms.
Recent updates to the Strong Readers Act, signed into law by Gov. Kevin Stitt in April 2026, require the state to partner with public and private institutions of higher education to develop teacher training academies for educators.
OBU was selected after meeting rigorous state criteria requiring host universities to provide a comprehensive program aligned with Oklahoma’s Science of Reading standards, taught by literacy academy instructors who hold advanced credentials such as reading specialist certification, Certified Academic Language Therapist credentials and Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) training.
Throughout the week, participants explored the foundations of the Science of Reading, phonological and phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, reading comprehension, assessment, data analysis and intervention planning. Daily instruction combined lectures and instructional modeling with hands-on application, including analyzing student literacy data, practicing structured literacy routines and building intervention plans.
Instruction was led by Dr. Rebecca Marie Farley, OBU associate professor of education, and three local reading specialists, Karymn Reimer, Trina Wallar and Krista Titsworth. The academy was organized through OBU’s Master of Arts in Teaching program under the leadership of co-directors Dr. Elizabeth Justice, OBU associate dean for faculty development and associate professor of education, and Dr. Annie Keehn, chair of the OBU School of Education.
Participants who completed all 40 instructional hours, earned at least 80 percent on the Foundations of Reading practice assessment and successfully submitted required intervention plans received the state’s Early Literacy Micro-Credential.
“Reading proficiency in the early grades is the cornerstone of all future academic success,” Keehn said. “By grounding our kindergarten through third-grade educators in the proven principles of the Science of Reading and structured literacy, this academy empowers teachers to offer life-changing literacy instruction for students across Oklahoma.”
Justice said hosting the academy reflects OBU’s commitment to serving educators and communities across the state.
“Oklahoma Baptist University is deeply honored to be chosen as one of only seven host sites for this vital statewide initiative,” Justice said. “Hosting the Early Literacy Teacher Academy directly reflects our institution’s commitment to educational excellence and community service, equipping dedicated teachers with the tools they need to ensure every young learner becomes a confident, strong reader.”
The academy supports the mission of OBU’s Henry F. McCabe Family School of Education by equipping educators to serve with excellence while strengthening literacy instruction in Oklahoma classrooms. Organizers hope participants begin the new school year prepared to analyze student literacy data, implement structured literacy instruction, use MTSS frameworks effectively and provide targeted interventions that help more children achieve grade-level reading proficiency by the end of third grade. To learn more about OBU’s School of Education, visit okbu.edu/education/.