Teaching in Kansas is an innovative career that makes a positive investment in our nation’s future. Educators are valued members of the community, and the state is desperate for more.

The country is experiencing a teaching shortage, and Kansas has been hit hard. Tuan Nguyen, an associate professor studying the teacher shortage, revealed that the state has more teacher vacancies per student than 75% of the US. They urgently need more quality educators, currently relying on substitutes and retired teachers to fill in the gaps. 

If you feel called to spread knowledge and inspire youth, now’s the time to teach. Each state has its own requirements to become a licensed teacher, and Kansas is committed to making the process easier. In this guide, we provide the information you’ll need to become a teacher in Kansas, including the pathways to becoming certified. 

Beautiful school teacher during class

Is Teaching the Right Career for You? 

Teaching is a calling for those committed to spreading knowledge and inspiring our nation’s youth. The dynamic career comes with high demands and requires a sound work ethic, strong leadership skills, resourcefulness, and the ability to meet each student’s unique needs. The more effort put into the profession, the greater the rewards.

Admittedly, financial gains are not what attracts people to teaching. But a career in education does have its perks, including family-friendly working hours and long vacations. Kansas public schools also offer benefits such as medical coverage and access to dental, vision, and pension options. 

Salaries and packages vary between school districts and US states. For instance, the average annual salary in Kansas is $54,815, whereas in Missouri, it is $52,481. 

State Requirements for Teaching in Kansas

State requirements for teaching vary across the country. The steps to obtain licensure or certification may also depend on the grade level and subject. Like many states facing the shortage, Kansas has alternative paths to teaching in addition to the traditional route.

1.Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree is a nationwide requirement for teaching, including in Kansas. The only exception to this requirement is working as an Emergency Substitute, which has a minimum requirement of 60 hours of college credit. However, Emergency Substitutes are prevented from working full-time and cannot be considered for a permanent position. 

A bachelor’s degree centered on education will help you be an effective leader in the classroom and have an impactful career. Knowledge and skills developed while obtaining a degree include: 

  • Understanding child development.
  • Developing classroom management tools. 
  • Learning to create lesson plans. 
  • Acquiring effective educational techniques.  
  • Gaining content knowledge. 

Kansas colleges and universities offer many education-focused degrees, including: 

  • Elementary Education, BA
  • Elementary Education, BS
  • Secondary Education, BS
  • Foreign Language Education, BA
  • Secondary Education Physics, BAED
  • Mathematic Middle Education, BAED
  • Complete an Accredited Teacher Preparation Program

Kansas requires all candidates to take an approved teacher certification program. Those obtaining a bachelor’s degree in education will take part in the preparation program through their college or university. 

2. Gain Student Teaching Experience

Kansas requires a minimum of eight credit hours or a year of student teaching experience. However, you may be required to do more to complete your particular education degree or teacher preparation program.  

3. Pass Exams

Kansas requires all candidates to pass the Principles of Learning and Teaching Praxis exam that corresponds with the grade level they wish to teach. In addition, candidates must pass at least one Praxis exam in an endorsement area. 

4. Pass a Background Check

Kansas requires a state and federal background check on all teaching candidates. Fingerprint cards can be obtained through the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE). The purpose of the background check is to ensure the safety of the state’s education staff and students. The state and federal authorities will confirm your identity, check for any criminal history, and if there is any record of child abuse or neglect.  

5. Get Certified

Apply for your initial Kansas teaching license through the Kansas Licensure Application System (KLAS). 

Documentation that must be uploaded includes:

  • A bachelor’s or higher from an accredited college or university.
  • Proof that you completed one of the approved teacher preparation programs.
  • A completed background check.
  • Passing scores on required examinations.

6. Consider Getting A Master’s Degree

Master’s degrees are not a requirement to teach in Kansas. However, some teacher preparation programs offer them and are necessary for those wishing to work in specialty areas, such as school counseling. 

A master’s degree can improve job prospects and pay and open doors for further career advancement, such as becoming a school principal. 

Alternative Pathway To Teaching in Kansas

Alternative pathways to teaching are available in Kansas. These allow those with a bachelor’s degree to switch careers into teaching without returning to university and obtaining a second degree. It saves candidates time and money and often allows them to work as a teacher while completing their teacher preparation coursework. 

KSDE provides a Restricted Teaching License for those using the alternative pathway. Once they have completed their teacher preparation coursework and meet all other requirements, passing the necessary exams, they can apply for an initial teaching license. 

Getting Hired as a Teacher

Getting hired as a teacher in Kansas requires obtaining certification first or being part of the CDE’s alternative pathways. Once these requirements are met, you can proceed to the next steps in finding a teaching position. To ensure your success, don’t jump ahead in the process. 

Polish Your CV

Your CV is your most effective tool in reaching the crucial interview stage. It is your first opportunity to demonstrate why you are the perfect candidate. To stand out from the rest, your CV must showcase excellence. Ensure it has a clear and professional layout, highlights your strengths, and is proofread for typos. 

Pro tip: Always show your CV to others for constructive feedback. Excellent people to ask are:

  • Teachers or administrators already working in education.
  • Professors from your university or college.
  • Coaches or mentors from your alternative teaching program.

When your CV is perfect, save it as a template. Now, it can be tailored for each position you apply for, considering the district’s location, ethos, and education philosophy. The more research you put into a potential job opportunity, the better you can frame your CV to meet their needs. 

Upgrade Your Skill Set

School districts look for certain skills from the teachers they hire. Even if you have not worked in an education setting before, you may have already acquired some of these capabilities in past employment or volunteer work. 

Teaching skills you should upgrade and highlight on your CV include: 

  • Communication: Teaching requires teachers to convey ideas and content to their students while liaising with their parents and other teachers. Educators must be able to read body language and have the ability to be understood orally and through written forms such as notes, emails, and text. 
  • Active listening: Meeting the needs of each student requires hearing them and their guardians so you have a full understanding of who they are, their individual challenges, and their goals. In addition, working with colleagues productively requires being attentive when they speak, reflecting on what they said, and respecting the motivation behind their words, even if you disagree. 
  • Problem-solving: School environments are masters at creating unique challenges that require equally original solutions. It is essential to think quickly, clearly, and calmly while navigating the various issues–big and small–that crop up throughout the day and school year. 
  • Time management: Teachers must be organized and understand how to make the most of each class period. In addition, they must budget time for grading papers and projects, recording student progress, attending staff meetings, and communicating with parents, colleagues, and students. 
  • Technology skills: Teaching uses an array of technology to conduct lessons, plan activities, keep records, and maintain channels of communication with parents, students, and co-workers. Research which programs, apps, and devices are most commonly encountered in schools, and highlight any special tech skills you have, such as specific programming languages. 

Begin Your Job Search

Being your job search for a teaching position in Kansas by checking for opportunities on these sites: 

Pro tip: introduce yourself to school districts you are eager to work at. If there are no openings, ask them to keep your CV on file so you can be considered when a position becomes available. 

Join a Professional Organization and Network

Consider joining a professional teaching organization or network. These groups provide educators with support and advocacy and are excellent ways to connect with people in your field.   

Professional organizations in Kansas include the following:

Ace Your Job Interview

Acing your job interview is necessary to secure a teaching position in Kansas. But don’t stress; we’ve got some top tips to help you prepare:

  • Prepare your introduction. Interviews are long, but your initial introduction should be brief and punchy. Think of it as an elevator pitch where you must nail the essential information in a few sentences. Provide your name and education, and mention any skills or hobbies that will benefit the school. 
  • Use the word “we”. Teaching isn’t an “I” occupation. Schools are looking for teachers who can work as part of a team and are focused on student success. Ensure your answers embody a “we” and “us” attitude and not an “I’ and “me.” 
  • Practice answering questions. Research common teacher interview questions and practice answering them clearly, warmly, and confidently. Eye contact and the occasional smile will go a long way, so if you can’t rehearse with friends or family, set up some plush toys or your pets as stand-ins. Also, try to film yourself to see how you come across. Are you saying “um,” “like,” or other filler phrases too often? If so, practice reducing these in your replies.    

Career Outlook & Salary in Kansas

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for teachers is projected to grow by 5% from 2001-2031. But for Kansas, that stat might be greater. Kansas has faced up to 4% of its teaching vacancies being unfilled in recent years. It’s also one of the youngest states in the US, and its youth population is expected to continue to increase.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average salary of an elementary teacher in Kansas is $55,060, and for secondary teachers, it’s $56,590. 

Current education vacancies can be found via Educate Kansas. The Kansas Board of Regents identified the most hard-to-fill disciplines for 2023-2024 as English, elementary, special education, mathematics, and science. 

Become a Teacher in Kansas

Teaching is a rewarding career, and Kansas is an affordable state to do it in. The cost of living in the state is 12% lower than the national average. Better still, the cost of housing is 30% lower than the national average. 

Home to the Kansas City-style barbeque, the state understands good food, and the people are friendly. Outdoor activities are popular, with forests, mountain ranges, and plenty of prairie to explore. Kansas is a worthwhile choice for teachers seeking a state that values community and provides a satisfying work-life balance.  

If you are ready to embark on a gratifying career in education, Teachers of Tomorrow, the largest national alternative certification provider, welcomes the opportunity to help you achieve that goal.