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Academics/Continuing education/ACE Summer Institute

ACE Summer Institute

Alternative Certification for Educators Summer Institute 

Ad for ACE Summer Institute

Empowering the Next Generation of Educators

The ACE Institute (Alternative Certification for Educators) is proud to host our first Summer Institute—a full day of professional development, collaboration, and inspiration for current and future educators across Oklahoma. We are a statewide initiative committed to supporting career-changers, STEM professionals, and paraprofessionals as they transition into the classroom through high-quality, affordable pathways to teacher certification.

Our mission is to grow and support passionate, highly qualified teachers—especially in high-need areas—by offering mentorship, microcredentialed coursework, and meaningful professional development. The ACE Summer Institute is one of the many ways we bring our mission to life.

What Is the Summer Institute All About?

This one-day event is designed to bring together ACE participants, mentors, and educators from across the state for hands-on learning, networking, and growth. Attendees will gain practical strategies for effective teaching, explore topics like classroom management, culturally responsive teaching, and technology integration, and learn how to thrive in both traditional and alternative certification pathways.

Expect high-energy breakout sessions, access to materials and resources, and opportunities to connect with peers who share your passion for making a difference in education. NSU faculty and guest presenters will offer insight into current research and tools that support effective instruction, particularly in high-need and rural schools.

Who Should Attend?

  • ACE Institute Scholarship Recipients

  • Alternative and Emergency Certified Teachers

  • Career-Changers Entering Education

  • Paraprofessionals Pursuing a Teaching Degree

  • STEM Professionals Interested in Certification

  • Mentor Teachers and School Leaders Supporting ACE Participants

  • Anyone passionate about strengthening Oklahoma's teacher pipeline

  • Anyone interested in becoming a teacher

Why This Matters

Oklahoma needs great teachers—and we believe that with the right support, every aspiring educator can become a transformative force in the classroom. The Summer Institute is more than just professional development. It's a celebration of progress, potential, and the power of community.

By bringing together educators from different backgrounds and experiences, we’re building a stronger, more resilient teacher workforce for the students who need it most.

🌟 Ready to join us?
Make plans to attend the 2025 ACE Summer Institute and take the next step in your journey as an educator. You’ll leave equipped, encouraged, and ready to make a lasting impact.

👉 Registration is now open!

Speakers

Joe Dombrowski aka Mr. D

Man with black shirt with hands raised in front of a pink background

Native Metro Detroiter, Joe Dombrowski took the world by storm in 2017 with a viral April Fools’ Day spelling test prank that landed him multiple appearances on the Ellen DeGeneres show. Don't get it twisted though! It takes at least 20 years to be an overnight sensation! Joe has been doing stand up comedy since he was eight years old in his third grade talent show. He's never stopped! Since Joe's rise to fame, he has been traveling the globe with his stand-up comedy which often highlights his outrageous family dynamics and of course his time as a former elementary school teacher. Joe has been featured as a headlining act at the Just For Laughs comedy festival in Montreal, The New York comedy festival and the Netflix Is a Joke Fest. Joe is also incredibly humbled to be hosting a monthly show at the world famous Comedy Story in Los Angeles. When he’s not getting creative on stages and screens, Joe spends his time in Seattle, Washington producing his podcast “Social Studies” with his good friend and high school history teacher, Gaspare Randazzo, where they recap outlandish stories from fans all over the country.