Welcome to The Teacher's Closet

The Teacher's Closet was founded in June 2017 by Dr. Jen Oswald, Assistant Professor of Education, and Dr. Jennifer Page, Assistant Professor of English, to supplement the professional clothing needs of Northwestern's education majors. Education majors face steep fees for certification exams, background checks, and licensure, which means that building a professional wardrobe can be a financial challenge. Dr. Oswald and Dr. Page established The Teacher's Closet to help students fill in the gaps in their wardrobe so that they can focus on the more important task of becoming excellent educators.

Before graduating, education students complete four weeks of courses (either fall or spring) and spend the remainder of the semester teaching in classrooms in Northwest Oklahoma and Southern Kansas. Before these students embark on full-time student teaching, they are invited to a luncheon provided by Northwestern's Student Oklahoma Education Association (SOEA) chapter, where they receive advice on professional dress from faculty members. After the lunch, they "shop" our showrooms for new outfits. Our first shopping event was held on September 6, 2017, and it was a smashing success. To find out more about how this project is helping prepare Oklahoma's future educators, or to see pictures from our first event, read our event recap.

Closet not just for Education majors

Any student at Northwestern is welcome to use the Teacher's Closet to build their professional wardrobe. Just contact us so we can help. 

Make a Donation

Donations are accepted year-round, but please contact us first to learn if we are able to accept donations because of space limitations.

We accept gently used men's and women's professional clothing, shoes, and accessories in all shapes and sizes. Recommended donation items include:

Women's

• Dresses
• Skirts
• Slacks
• Button-down shirts
• Blouses
• Polos
• Tanks and camisoles
• Coats and blazers
• Shoes (from high heels to flats)
• Belts
• Jewelry
• Scarves
• Purses and tote bags

Men's

• Suits
• Ties
• Slacks
• Sport coats and blazers
• Jackets
• Scarves
• Button-down shirts
• Polos
• Dress shoes
• Belts
• Tote bags

To make a donation, please bring your items to EC 205 on Northwestern's Alva campus (The Division of Education's office) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (excluding campus closures for holidays), or feel free to call or email Dr. Oswald (580-327-8451) to pick up your items.

Want Updates?

Follow us on Facebook to see pictures of shopping events and our expansion project. 

Sponsors

The Teacher's Closet would not be possible without the generosity and engagement of community members like you. Thanks to all our donors and wonderful sponsors! 

NWOSU Division of Education
The Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association
Alva Farmers Cooperative Association
College Hill Church of Christ
WalMart
Alva State Bank
BancCentral
Community Bank
Doug & Janet Lakely
Alva Rotary Club
LaDEEda
Dr. Larry Smith, DDS
The Elegant Toad
The citizens of Alva, OK