Shawnee Hall to Welcome Back School of Education in Fall 2025 with New Cutting-Edge Learning Spaces

With the completion of the Shawnee Hall rebuild, the Henry F. McCabe Family School of Education will be set to return to its iconic home, reimagined with cutting-edge academic spaces and modern offices. This revitalized hub will continue to be a shining light for teacher preparation and educational excellence, inspiring the next generation of educators. 

Continuing a proud tradition of excellence, this year’s graduates have once again outshined state benchmarks in the Praxis Performance Assessment for Teachers (PPAT) exam, achieving an outstanding pass rate of 97.92%—far surpassing the state average of 79.68%. Among the 48 candidates, including both traditional undergraduates and graduate students from OBU’s ACCESS program, the average score was an impressive 43.31, significantly higher than the state average of 38.67. These results reaffirm OBU’s position as a leader in teacher preparation. 

“These outstanding results not only reflect OBU’s commitment to high-quality teacher preparation but also position its graduates as competent educators ready to make significant contributions to classrooms across Oklahoma and beyond,” said Dr. Elizabeth Justice, ’95, chair and director of the School of Education. 

A Comprehensive Approach to Teacher Education  

The McCabe Family School of Education offers an expansive array of undergraduate programs, from early childhood and elementary education to specialties like art, mathematics, Spanish, and theater education. With over a century of combined teaching experience, the dedicated faculty is passionate about preparing students to succeed in today’s ever-evolving and diverse classrooms. Whether pursuing special education or middle school subjects, each program is designed to empower future educators with the tools they need to inspire and lead. 

Alternative Certification and Credentialing for Elementary and Secondary Schools  

OBU’s ACCESS program stands out as a remarkable alternative certification pathway for individuals aiming to launch careers in elementary or secondary education in Oklahoma. Designed for those who may not have taken a traditional path into teaching, the program offers a unique opportunity for passionate educators to make a meaningful impact on young learners. Since its inception in spring 2023, the ACCESS program has already supported 88 students in their journey to becoming inspiring educators. 

Launch of the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Program  

Demonstrating its dedication to lifelong learning and professional growth, OBU has launched an innovative Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program. This graduate program empowers educators to elevate their careers through advanced pedagogical instruction, educational research and theory implementation. With specialized certifications in areas like Teaching English as a Second Language, Behavior and Trauma, and Advanced Teaching, the MAT equips educators with the expertise needed to address the diverse and complex needs of today’s students. 

“With the MAT, OBU will invest in educators who want to strengthen their knowledge, skills, and expertise in the classroom,” Justice said. “The program will challenge educators to think critically and strategically about the teaching and learning in their classrooms, exposing them to the latest evidence-based practices and research to better support students.” 

Annie Keehn, ’10, co-director of the MAT program and assistant professor of education, reports a cohort of 35 MAT students.  

“Some of those individuals started as ACCESS students and are staying another year to complete their master’s degree,” she said. “Others are current, certified teachers who want additional expertise to serve their students.” 

What distinguishes OBU’s MAT program is its blend of quality and affordability. At $375 per credit hour, with total costs ranging from $11,250 to $13,500, the program offers a financially accessible path to a graduate degree. The fully online, asynchronous format provides flexibility for working professionals, allowing them to advance their education without sacrificing their current commitments.   

A Program Shaped by Community Input  

The creation of the MAT program was a true collaborative effort, shaped by valuable insights from local and state administrators, teachers, and key education stakeholders. Faculty from the School of Education partnered closely with OBU’s Education Advisory Council to ensure the program addresses the ever-changing needs of Oklahoma’s educators, positioning them for success in a dynamic and evolving educational landscape.  

“Jesus taught people where He found them and met them where they were. This is the heart of OBU’s education programs, helping teachers reach all students and meeting them where they are psychologically, spiritually, academically, and developmentally,” Justice said. “With the addition of the MAT, OBU’s reach and impact on the next generation will be wider and deeper.” 

Looking Forward 

“We are also offering integrated courses beginning this fall,” Keehn said. “This means current undergraduate students (education majors and non-education majors) can take up to 12 credit hours of coursework toward their Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree as an undergraduate student. Then, after completing just one more year online after graduation, they can finish their master’s degree. It’s a 4 +1 program. We have 22 undergraduate students who have already applied and been admitted.” 

As OBU continues to invest in the future of education, the Henry F. McCabe Family School of Education remains a beacon of the university’s steadfast commitment to excellence. With forward-thinking programs like ACCESS and the newly launched MAT degree, OBU equips teachers not only to enter the classroom but also to lead and inspire as future shapers in their communities. 

Justice’s vision is clear: “By investing in teachers, OBU is investing in the future of Oklahoma and beyond.”