RiverHawk Center for Teacher Excellence

A Center for ALL Education Majors!

About the Center

Need help with a class? Looking for a scholarship? Want a place to study? Come join us at the RiverHawk Center for Teacher Excellence!

The RiverHawk Center for Teacher Excellence, or RCTE, is a federally funded grant with locations on both the Tahlequah and Broken Arrow campuses aiming to address the critical need for teachers who are ready and able to engage and facilitate student learning on day one.

Through this grant, NSU helps potential education majors, teacher candidates and teachers be successful in their career journey to become a certified, impactful and employed teacher by providing a comprehensive, positive and supportive environment for them to learn and grow.

Both centers provide support to teacher candidates and teachers through scholarships, professional development, advising, mentoring, tutoring/coaching and other connections for overall assistance that supplement ongoing initiatives.

Meet the Team

Katie Fox
Director of RiverHawk Center for Teacher Excellence
Broken Arrow Coordinator
foxk@nsuok.edu
TQ: 918-444-3756 | BA: 918-444-6569

Jamie Lindsey
Tahlequah Coordinator
lindse01@nsuok.edu
918-444-3757

Report a Teacher Education Program Complaint or Concern

Find the way that fits you!

I HAVE DECLARED MY MAJOR IN EDUCATION
- Steps to complete state-approved teacher education program.
I HAVE A BACHELOR'S DEGREE BUT NOT IN EDUCATION
- How can I become a teacher?
I AM A DISTRICT EMPLOYEE
- I want to be a certified teacher.
I AM READY FOR A CAREER CHANGE
- Become an Oklahoma teacher without quitting your job or going into debt.

Find out what's happening this semester on your campus!

Spring 2026 Calendar of Events (pdf)

Join us for the Spring 2026 Assessment of Professional Knowledge (APK) seminar (see Flyer below). Click here to register.

RCTE Spring 26 APK Seminar

_________

Celebration of Teaching – March 27, 2026:

NSU’s RiverHawk Center for Teacher Excellence will host the Celebration of Teaching on March 27, 2026, at the NSU Tahlequah University Center Ballroom. The event includes a Q&A session from 10:50–11:25 a.m. covering education majors and career pathways, followed by a campus tour from 12:45–1:35 p.m., for students interested in becoming educators. Register here!

RCTE Celebration of Teaching Flyer

_________

Summer Institute for Future Teachers – June 1–26, 2026

The NSU College of Education’s RiverHawk Center for Teacher Excellence will host the Summer Institute Monday through Friday, June 1–26, 2026. This paid, hands-on program is designed for recent high school graduates planning to attend NSU and pursue a teaching degree. Participants will engage in classroom discussions, develop and teach lesson plans, explore education career pathways, and collaborate with faculty and peers, while earning up to $2,000 in compensation.

Application deadline: March 6, 2026
Interview dates: March 10–13, 2026 (NSU Broken Arrow campus)
Eligibility: Students interested in attending NSU and pursuing a degree in education
More information email rcte@nsuok.edu

This program provides early teaching experience, professional mentorship, and financial support to help students begin their journey toward becoming educators.

Apply here!

RCTE Summer Institute 2026 Flyer

_________

Free OSAT & APK Targeted Support Sessions (Virtual)

Teacher candidates preparing for OSAT or APK exams—take advantage of these FREE targeted support sessions presented by NSU faculty in partnership with OEA. All sessions are virtual, and potential members are welcome.

If you’re planning to test soon, these sessions are a great way to strengthen your preparation at no cost.

Register & learn more: okea.org/oealeadandlearn

OEA OSAT Flyer