Teacher-turned-lawmaker proposes pro-educator initiatives

TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — You've witnessed the throngs of teachers flood the capitol and lobby for change from the outside, now witness former teachers turned lawmakers lobby for change from the inside.

"Right now, we're calling it the 'Legislative Education Action Plan,'" said Rep. John Waldron.

Want to be a teacher but don't think you can afford the college education? Let's make a deal.

"You would go to work in a Title I school, and every year, we'd pay 20 percent of your tuition. After you spend five years in the school, I think you'll find it's home, and you'll stay there," he said.

How about paid internships for student teachers?

"You shouldn't have to get a second job while you're working at school and in the school to learn how to be a teacher. We should be looking after you, so you can look after them," said Waldron.

Can something be done to help offset the cost of health insurance?

"Right now, it's very hard for teachers to keep spouses and dependents on their insurance; it's very expensive. That ate up most of our raise this year," he said.

Pro-education initiatives welcomed by teachers like Hanna Al-Jibouri.

"He really does understand what matters to teachers, what matters to students," she said.

She's been teaching for eight years and would love to see initiatives that boost teacher retention.

"I get to experience every year almost seeing half of our staff leave and then be replaced by essentially half of a brand new staff almost every single year," she said.

Pushing for change from the inside, a preview of the next wave of reform at the capitol.

"It's one small step for the legislature, but one giant leap for Oklahoma," said Waldron.