Kansas teachers work with children of all backgrounds and abilities, teaching key skills and providing students with a strong educational foundation. Teaching specialties include early childhood education and secondary-level content areas such as chemistry, history, and art. Although the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the average salary for Kansas teachers is slightly below the national average, individual salaries vary based on job title, the teacher's educational level, and location.
To qualify for Kansas teaching jobs, candidates must have a bachelor's degree, apply for a state license, pass multiple examinations, and undergo a background check. Teachers must regularly renew their licenses and meet professional development milestones. Kansas also provides several alternative routes to becoming a classroom teacher.
Teaching candidates who complete an out-of-state program may need to undergo a transcript review and complete additional steps to earn a Kansas teaching license.
Many aspiring educators earn their teaching degree online, and current teachers can increase their earning potential by completing an online advanced teaching program. Online programs provide scheduling flexibility and allow students to enroll in programs outside their geographic area. However, teaching candidates who complete an out-of-state program may need to undergo a transcript review and complete additional steps to earn a Kansas teaching license. This page explains how to become a teacher in Kansas.
How to Become a Teacher in Kansas
Each state sets specific requirements to earn a teaching license. While Kansas preschool teachers do not need a state license, teachers at the elementary, middle, and secondary levels must hold valid Kansas teaching credentials. Kansas teaching programs prepare students to earn a state teaching license.
Teaching licenses do not automatically transfer between states, and Kansas does not offer reciprocity with any other state. However, Kansas is a member of the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement, which simplifies the process for out-of-state teachers earning licensure in Kansas. Kansas teachers considering a position in another state should research that state's license transfer requirements.
Educational Requirements
Featured Online Programs
Kansas requires that elementary and secondary teachers hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) issues teaching licenses and reviews transcripts to determine whether teaching candidates meet the state's educational requirements. After earning an online teaching degree, Kansas residents can apply for an initial teaching license.
Kansas provides alternative routes to licensure for individuals with a bachelor's or master's degree in a non-teaching field.
Most bachelor's programs in teaching require 120 credits of coursework, including general education and major courses. Education majors can specialize in areas such as early childhood education, elementary education, or secondary education. While full-time students typically complete a bachelor's degree in four years, teachers can increase their earning potential by completing a master's degree or endorsement. Most master's programs require two additional years of study. Education programs include student-teaching components; candidates for initial teaching licensure must have teaching experience or have completed student-teaching credits within the past six years.
Kansas provides alternative routes to licensure for individuals with a bachelor's or master's degree in a non-teaching field. Applicants for the restricted teaching license must have a minimum 2.75 GPA in their last 60 credits of college coursework, must pass the Praxis II content assessment, and must undergo a supervised training experience. Restricted license holders teach while completing the professional education coursework required to earn a full license. A STEM license allows professionals with a degree and professional experience in a STEM field to teach at the high school level with a one-year, renewable license.
While K-12 teachers must have a bachelor's degree, graduates of two-year associate teaching programs can teach preschool, work at daycare or childcare centers, or secure teacher's assistant positions. An online associate degree in teaching also prepares graduates to enter a bachelor's program.
Common Courses for Teaching Degrees in Kansas
Associate Degree in Teaching
| Introduction to Education | This foundational course covers the historical development of American education and explores professional opportunities in the field. |
|---|---|
| Early Childhood Education | Many associate degree holders work in early childhood education; this course provides fundamental knowledge and skills necessary to work with young children. |
| Creative Curriculum | Students learn about the research-based creative curriculum model for teaching young learners and learn to use developmentally appropriate activities. |
Bachelor's Degree in Teaching
| Introduction to the Education Profession | Students learn about the profession, the role of an effective teacher, and best teaching practices. The class incorporates classroom observation of teachers and students. |
|---|---|
| Elementary Curriculum | This class covers student interactions, subject matter development, and curriculum decision making. Students prepare for roles as elementary school teachers and may create their own sample curricula. |
| Literacy Instruction | Teachers at all levels help students develop reading skills; students in this course gain knowledge and skills necessary to instruct children in reading, writing, and speaking. |
Master's Degree in Teaching
| Advanced Practices in Teaching English | Students learn to develop curricula and explore instructional strategies for teaching English or language arts, either at the elementary or secondary levels. |
|---|---|
| International Perspectives in Education | Students learn about international educational systems, pedagogical approaches, and current debates regarding primary and secondary education. |
| Project-based Instruction | Students learn basic principles necessary to design and evaluate projects as part of a pedagogical approach. |
Certification and Licensing Needed to Become a Teacher in Kansas
To teach grades K-12 in Kansas, teachers must hold a license from the KSDE. The state offers several pathways to qualifying for Kansas teaching jobs, including options for teachers licensed outside Kansas, teachers with expired licenses, and individuals with non-teaching degrees and occupational experience.
An initial teaching license requires a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and the completion of a teacher preparation program for non-teaching majors. After meeting educational requirements, applicants must pass pedagogy and content-area examinations and complete a fingerprint check, which costs $50. An initial teaching license is valid for two years.
Teachers complete a performance assessment during the two-year initial teaching license period. When the initial teaching license expires, teachers can apply for a professional license, which is valid for five years. To renew the professional license, teachers with a graduate degree must complete 120 professional development points, and those with a bachelor's degree must complete 160 points and eight credit hours in an approved program.
An initial teaching license is valid for two years.
Candidates must pass the Praxis exam to earn Kansas teaching credentials. Candidates must earn a score of at least 160 on the Principles of Learning and Teaching test for their grade level and must pass relevant content assessments. The Praxis exam costs $120 to $170 per test, and the Educational Testing Service automatically reports scores in the state to the Kansas Department of Education.
Kansas offers a pathway for teachers licensed outside the state to earn a Kansas teaching license and alternative pathways for mid-career professionals with a content area degree. The state provides STEM licenses for individuals with a bachelor's degree or higher in science, mathematics, engineering, computer technology, finance, or accounting.
Choosing a Teaching Program in Kansas
Individuals planning to pursue teaching positions in Kansas have a variety of options for teaching programs and should select a program based on their interests and career goals. Prospective students can narrow their choices by considering factors such as location, cost, degree requirements, and available specializations.
Unlike on-campus programs, students can enroll in online programs anywhere in the country; online learners are not limited to local options. However, earning a teaching license is easier for candidates with an in-state teaching degree because Kansas programs meet the state's teacher preparation requirements.
Kansas schools may also offer tuition discounts for state residents and more convenient student-teaching placements.
(Video) Peer Tutorial: Teacher Licenses in Kansas
Prospective students should also compare program costs. Many programs charge a per-credit tuition rate, which means prospective students must consider the total credits required to earn a bachelor's or master's degree. Most bachelor's degrees require four years and approximately 120 credits, while master's degrees require two additional years. The time it takes to graduate also impacts cost.
Finally, prospective students should research each program's available specializations and endorsements, such as early childhood education, special education, or teaching English as a second language. An online program may be the best option to earn a flexible degree customized to the student's interests.
Can You Earn a Teaching Degree Online in Kansas?
The Kansas State Board of Education provides multiple pathways to earning a teaching license, but generally, teaching candidates must hold a bachelor's degree and must complete a teacher preparation program. Both online bachelor's degrees and degrees earned on campus meet the requirements for Kansas teaching licensure.
The KSDE provides a simple pathway to a teaching license for graduates of Kansas colleges and universities. Graduates of an out-of-state online program may need to complete additional teacher preparation training in Kansas. Teachers licensed in other states can apply for an out-of-state license, and Kansas may waive testing requirements.
Students considering an online teaching program should check the institution's accreditation status. Candidates for a Kansas teaching license must hold a degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Directory of Teaching Schools in Kansas
Schools (Video) GETTING MY TEACHING CERTIFICATION| EverydayEducator
The cost of a teaching degree includes tuition, books, fees, and living expenses. However, education students have access to scholarships, grants, and other federal programs to finance their degrees. Students should research field-specific scholarships from organizations such as the Kansas PTA and the Kansas Board of Regents.
Students can also finance their education using federal loans and grants. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for direct loans, Stafford loans, and Perkins loans. Income-eligible students may also qualify for grants or work-study programs. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement programs, and current teachers pursuing a graduate degree or endorsement may receive tuition reimbursement from their school district.
Many colleges and universities offer funding packages for prospective teachers. Some of these opportunities require an application, while schools grant other awards based on eligibility requirements and need. Prospective students should contact their school for information on available scholarships, grants, and loans.
Loan forgiveness programs reduce or eliminate debt for teachers based on their professional contributions. To qualify for loan forgiveness, teachers must meet certain obligations, such as teaching a minimum number of years in a low-income school or a high-need field.
The federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program provides up to $17,500 of loan forgiveness, which applies to direct subsidized or unsubsidized loans and to subsidized or unsubsidized federal Stafford loans. Qualifying teachers must work in a low-income school for five consecutive years.
Federal Perkins Loans cancellation is available to full-time teachers in public or private nonprofit schools with a high concentration of low-income students. Special education teachers and those who teach high-need subjects also qualify. The program cancels up to 100% of the loan amount.
Kansas does not provide any statewide teacher loan forgiveness or repayment programs.
Scholarships are an ideal way to fund an education degree. Several Kansas organizations offer field-specific scholarships, including the Kansas Board of Regents and the Kansas PTA. Some teaching scholarships include professional requirements; for example, recipients of TEACH Grants must teach for four years in a high-need school after graduation.
According to the BLS, Kansas teachers earn an average salary of $44,620 per year. Although Kansas teacher salaries are lower than the national mean wage for teachers, the cost of living in Kansas is below the national average. U.S. News ranks Kansas in the top ten most affordable states.
Individual teacher salaries vary based on factors such as job title, education level, and location. Preschool teachers earn the lowest average salaries -- $28,550 per year -- while K-12 teachers earn average annual salaries of about $50,000. Most school districts create a salary schedule based on teachers' experience and educational level. Teachers who hold a graduate degree generally earn higher salaries than those with a bachelor's degree alone.
Location also affects teacher salaries. Educators in metropolitan areas such as Topeka, Wichita, and Kansas City typically earn higher salaries than those in rural districts. Prospective Kansas teachers should research salaries and loan forgiveness programs available to teachers in specific areas.
FAQs
How to become a teacher in Kansas without a teaching degree? ›
Candidates for alternative teacher certification in Kansas must take and pass the Praxis content-area exam appropriate to the endorsement(s) sought. For career and technical subjects where a Praxis subject exam is not offered, candidates must take a recognized industry certification exam.
What tests are required for teachers in Kansas? ›The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) requires two Praxis® tests for a Kansas Teaching License: a pedagogy test, the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT); and a content test for each area you are endorsed. These tests are part of the Praxis® tests.
What is the alternative route to teacher certification Kansas? ›Kansas has two different routes to alternative certification: the State Board of Education Visiting Scholar Certificate and the Restricted Teacher License. Both options require individuals to already have a bachelor's degree and complete required university courses from a state-approved alternate certification program.
How do I get reciprocity with my Kansas teaching license? ›You will need to be able to provide proof (transcripts) of the completion of an approved teacher preparation program, a current state-issued teaching certification, a bachelor's degree, successful completion of competency examinations, fingerprint background check, and satisfy "recency" stipulations.
Can a teacher teach without a license? ›A valid certificate of registration and a valid professional license from the Commission are required before any person is allowed to practice as a professional teacher in the Philippines, except as otherwise allowed under this Act.
Can you be a teacher without teacher training? ›You can work as an unqualified teacher in a secondary school/further education while training part-time or you can complete a University or College course such as the Professional Certificate in Education (PCE) or the Certificate of Education (CertEd), which both meet the requirements of Level 5 DET.
Is there a teacher shortage in Kansas? ›The teacher shortage isn't unique to Kansas, and it began even before the COVID-19 pandemic. A report by the Economic Policy Institute in 2019, titled “The Perfect Storm in the Teacher Labor Market,” pointed to impending retirements, increasing vacancies and declining enrollment in teacher preparation programs.
Is the FTCE test hard? ›The answer is yes. The FTCE does cover a lot of information and is challenging. You will need to review the information from your teacher prep courses and study materials to prepare. Information on each exam can be found on the FTCE website.
How long does it take to get a substitute teaching license in Kansas? ›Processing time at KSDE is usually 5-6 weeks after all materials have been received. 2. KSDE requires a background clearance. You can order a special fingerprint card with instructions from the KSDE website.
How long does a Kansas teaching license last? ›Teaching Certification Renewal
Once you receive your Initial Teaching License in Kansas, it is valid for two years. During that time, you must complete the state's Induction and Mentoring Program, usually completed at the Kansas public school in which you teach.
What is the para to teacher program in Kansas? ›
Para 2 Teach is designed for working professionals to earn their Elementary Education Unified degree. Graduates are eligible for Kansas teaching licensure in Elementary Education K-6 and Special Education. The Para 2 Teach program partners with community colleges and P-12 special education interlocals.
How do I get a Kansas reciprocity? ›To apply for the Kansas LSCSW through reciprocity, you must hold, in another state, an active clinical social work license, or independent social work license which allows for the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders independently. allow extra time for a decision to be made on your application.
Does Kansas have reciprocity? ›Kansas has entered into reciprocity agreements with Nebraska and Missouri relating to Commercial Driver's License (CDL) requirements and farm use.
What does reciprocity for teaching license mean? ›Teacher license reciprocity allows candidates who hold an out-of-state license to earn a license in a receiving state, subject to meeting state-specific requirements.
Can you teach in public schools without license? ›Under Republic Act No. 7836 or the Philippine Teachers Professionalization Act of 1994, no person shall practice the teaching profession without obtaining a valid certificate of registration and professional license.
Can anyone take teacher licensure? ›Taking the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET)
Graduates with undergraduate degrees in Education, such as Bachelor of Elementary Education, Bachelor of Secondary Education, and Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, and their respective equivalents, are qualified to take the LET.
Requirements vary by state, but at the bare minimum, teachers need to have a bachelor's degree, have experience teaching (usually accomplished through student teaching), and hold a valid teaching certificate in their state (more on how to become certified below).
Is 40 too old to become a teacher? ›Wherever you are in your journey to becoming a teacher, don't let your age be a factor. Students and schools need all kinds of teachers. Your experience will most likely be an asset: part of what makes your teaching and your classroom uniquely valuable to your school community. In short, it's never too late to teach!
Can a non qualified teacher teach? ›There are no prescribed qualifications required for instructors. You can appoint an instructor even if there's a suitable qualified teacher or teacher on the employment-based training scheme that's available.
Can I become a teacher if I don't have a degree? ›To become a teacher without a degree is certainly possible, although you're going to have to acquire some training, experience or qualifications. In this article, we discuss the possibilities of becoming a teacher without a degree, the teaching qualifications you can acquire and the different schools you might work at.
What is a teachers salary in Kansas? ›
How much does a Public School Teacher make in Kansas? The average Public School Teacher salary in Kansas is $53,169 as of January 26, 2023, but the range typically falls between $44,403 and $64,839.
Is Kansas a good state to teach in? ›According to the personal finance website's study, Kansas ranked as the 24th best state to teach in. The Sunflower State ranked 19th for opportunity and competition and 37th for academic and work environment, accounting for its overall score of 44.24.
What state is in most need of teachers? ›Mississippi saw the highest teacher-to-student vacancy rate in the 2021-22 school year. The state reported having nearly 69 missing teachers per 10,000 students. In comparison, Utah had less than one missing teacher per 10,000 students.
What happens if you fail the FTCE? ›If you fail an FTCE exam you must wait 31 calendar days to retake the exam. You cannot schedule a new exam attempt while your test results are pending, only after the official FTCE scores are released.
How many times can you take the FTCE exam? ›How many times can you take the FTCE? You are able to take the FTCE as many times as you need. In other words, there is no limit set for the number of times that you take each of the tests. However, if you want to retake the exam, you must wait 31 days before they can retake it.
How much does it cost to take the FTCE? ›How much does it cost to take the FTCE Physical Education K-12 exam? The test fee is $150. Candidates who fail the exam and retake it pay a $150 retest fee.
How much do teachers make in Kansas a month? ›| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | |
|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $41,940 | $3,495 |
| 75th Percentile | $32,669 | $2,722 |
| Average | $31,425 | $2,618 |
| 25th Percentile | $21,190 | $1,765 |
Prerequisite Coursework in Kansas
All states require that prospective teachers have at least a Bachelor's degree and complete a state-approved teacher preparation program to receive certification.
This license allows a district to hire an individual who has not completed a traditional teacher education program. The individual is given access to practice (restricted teaching license) while he/she completes the teacher education (pedagogy) course work with a Kansas college or university.
How much do substitute teachers make in Kansas per day? ›The pay is $133.00 a day for a full day and $160.00 for long term jobs. 60 college credits can get you an emergency substitute license. Substitute teaching works well with college students' schedules.
Is substitute teaching worth it? ›
The long-term prospects for substitute teachers are relatively stable, and the pay is consistent with other educators. The flexibility and future career options open to fill-in teachers can make this a very promising career option for many new and seasoned educators.
How do I start a substitute teacher class? ›- Dress The Part. ...
- Arrive Early. ...
- Greet The Office Staff Upon Entering. ...
- Inquire About Students With Special Needs. ...
- Introduce Yourself To The Students In A Fun Way. ...
- Set The Ground Rules. ...
- Stick With The Lesson Plan. ...
- Have Some Extra Activities Ready.
Teachers must complete 150 clock hours of professional development over a five-year time period in order to have a Level 2 or Level 3 Professional License renewed. No professional development is needed for Level 1 license but this can only be renewed once for three years.
How long does certificate in teaching take? ›Course Duration: 2 Years. Examination Body: KNEC. Course Entry Requirements: KCSE mean grade of C (Plain). Course Entry Requirements: KCSE mean grade of C Plain and above.
How many professional development hours are required for teachers in Kansas? ›1) If the applicant holds a graduate degree: Earn 120 professional development points awarded by a Kansas local professional development council under an approved individual development plan. If retired and participating in an educational retirement system, earn 60 professional development points.
How much do Paras get paid in Kansas? ›As of Mar 2, 2023, the average annual pay for the School Para jobs category in Kansas is $30,673 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $14.75 an hour. This is the equivalent of $589/week or $2,556/month.
What is the difference between a teacher and a para? ›The primary difference between a paraprofessional and a teacher is that while both work in the classroom, paraprofessionals do not lead lessons for the class and they are required to be supervised by a teacher.
How much do paraprofessionals make in Ks? ›How much does a Paraprofessional make in Kansas? The average paraprofessional salary in Kansas is $29,250 per year or $14.06 per hour.
What state has the best reciprocity? ›Tier 1: Tennessee Wins Again With Reciprocity. Research has revealed that Tennessee has the hands-down best concealed carry program in the country in terms of reciprocity for both residents and non-residents.
What states does Kansas have tuition reciprocity with? ›The MSEP serves as the Midwest's largest multi-state tuition reciprocity program. Over 70 colleges and universities in Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin have opened their doors to each others' citizens at more affordable rates.
Is Kansas a stand your ground state? ›
Kansas Law
Kansas has a stand your ground law which removes the duty to retreat before using force in defense of oneself or another.
Kansas is known as a fence in state. It is the responsibility of the livestock owner to fence the livestock in. We don't have open range as they do in some western states, where a land owner has to fence their property to keep the livestock out.
Is Kansas open carry state? ›Open Carry (Without a Valid Permit/License)
Open Carry is legal for those without a valid Permit/license. The state preempts all local firearm laws in the state. The Minimum age for Open Carry is 18.
Once you take the NCLEX exam, the exam has reciprocity. Meaning that you do not need to take it for another state, your score is accepted by all states. To endorse, the exam score can be used, but that is only one part of the licensing process.
How do I teach reciprocity? ›Reciprocal teaching refers to an instructional activity in which students become the teacher in small group reading sessions. Teachers model, then help students learn to guide group discussions using four strategies: summarizing, question generating, clarifying, and predicting.
What does reciprocity between states mean? ›Reciprocity is an agreement between two states that allows residents of one state to request exemption from tax withholding in the other (reciprocal) state.
Do you need an education degree to teach in Kansas? ›Kansas Teacher Education Requirements
Those who are preparing for Kansas teacher certification must complete a teacher education program at an approved school as well as a bachelor's degree at a regionally accredited institution.
This could be by taking up a role as a cover supervisor or teaching assistant, volunteering in a school, or through our Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship, where you can earn while you learn. This way you'll know that teaching is what you want to do before committing to a degree.
What is an accomplished teaching license in Kansas? ›Accomplished Teaching License: This license is issued to those who have successfully completed an advanced performance assessment that has been designated by the Kansas state board in order to identify accomplished teaching, or for those who have earned national board certification.
What qualifications do I need to be a teacher? ›- degree: you need a degree for all postgraduate teacher training programmes. ...
- GCSE English Language and Maths at Grade C / Grade 4.
- GCSE Science at Grade C / Grade 4 applies only to those wanting to teach Primary or Key Stage 3.
What qualifications do I need to be a primary teacher? ›
You may follow one of two routes in becoming a teacher, namely: a four-year Bachelor of Education degree (B. Ed.); a three-or four-year Bachelor's degree, followed by a one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Once completed, both routes lead to classification as a professionally qualified teacher.
How long is teacher training? ›This Programme is run over a period of 36 weeks. You will undertake two Masters level (level 7) modules as part of the PGCE, with a total of 60 Masters credits on completion. The programme consists of three core modules, two at level 7 and one at Undergraduate level (level 6) and three school placements.
How do I go from TA to teacher? ›If you have been working in a classroom for a significant amount of time, as a teaching assistant or in a similar role, you may be able to get qualified teacher status (QTS) through a 12-week 'assessment only' programme. You must also have a degree. You'll need to show that you already meet the standards for QTS.
Do you need a degree to be a primary school teacher? ›You'll usually need: 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science. 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree. a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course.
How many years of college do you need to be a teacher in Kansas? ›Typically, bachelor's degree programs take four years, plus any additional time required to student teach (if not completed during your bachelor's program) and time required to study and sit for the necessary licensure or certification exams. Master's degrees in education generally take around two years.
What are the requirements to be a substitute teacher in Kansas? ›A “Standard Substitute” requires completion of a teacher education program; an “Emergency Substitute” only requires 60 hours of college credit. Emergency Subs can teach up to 50% time, in short assignments (any subject or grade level) and pay is typically $90-120 per day.