TULSA, Okla. — Superintendent Ryan Walters is announcing three new programs for Oklahoma teachers.

The first is a new teacher recruitment program. This includes a $50,000 sign-on bonus for a five-year commitment, which is one of the largest in the country.

The second is a teacher empowerment program. The purpose will be for teachers to become leaders in schools.

Teacher bonuses and special programs to address teacher shortages are the third initiatives Walters is promoting.

“For decades, Oklahoma has struggled to recruit and maintain quality teachers in the state. Under my administration, I will reverse this trend with my Comprehensive Teacher Pay Reform initiative. This will empower local school districts to compete for and attract the right talent needed for their unique circumstances. The best and brightest teachers throughout Oklahoma and the country should be teaching right here in our own backyard,” said Ryan Walters.