{"id":45239,"date":"2023-11-24T13:42:37","date_gmt":"2023-11-24T19:42:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/?p=45239"},"modified":"2024-11-28T02:35:17","modified_gmt":"2024-11-28T08:35:17","slug":"how-to-become-a-teacher-in-kansas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/how-to-become-a-teacher-in-kansas\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Become a Teacher in Kansas in 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"
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.<\/span><\/p>\n The country is experiencing a teaching shortage, and Kansas has been hit hard. <\/span>Tuan Nguyen<\/span><\/a>, 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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. <\/span>In this guide, we provide the information you’ll need to become a teacher in Kansas, including the pathways to becoming certified.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Teaching is a calling for those committed to spreading knowledge and <\/span>inspiring<\/span><\/a> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Salaries and packages vary between school districts and US states. For instance, the average annual salary in <\/span>Kansas is $54,815, whereas in Missouri,<\/span><\/a> it is $52,481<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n A bachelor’s degree is a nationwide requirement for teaching<\/a>, including in Kansas. The only exception to this requirement is working as an <\/span>Emergency Substitute<\/span><\/a>, 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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<\/a>:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Kansas colleges and universities offer many education-focused degrees, including:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Kansas requires all candidates to take an approved <\/span>teacher certification program<\/span><\/a>. Those obtaining a bachelor’s degree in education will take part in the preparation program through their college or university.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Kansas requires all candidates to pass the Principles of Learning and Teaching <\/span>Praxis exam<\/span> that corresponds with the grade level they wish to teach. In addition, candidates must pass at least one Praxis exam in an endorsement area.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Kansas requires a state and federal background check on all teaching candidates. Fingerprint cards can be obtained through the <\/span>Kansas State Department of Education<\/span><\/a> (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.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Apply for your initial Kansas teaching license through the <\/span>Kansas Licensure Application System<\/span><\/a> (KLAS).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Documentation that must be uploaded includes:<\/span><\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A master’s degree can improve job prospects and pay and open doors for further career advancement, such as becoming a school principal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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 <\/span>in finding a teaching position<\/span><\/a>. To ensure your success, don’t jump ahead in the process.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Pro tip: Always show your CV to others for constructive feedback. Excellent people to ask are:<\/span><\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Teaching skills<\/span><\/a> you should upgrade and highlight on your CV include:\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n Being your job search for a teaching position in Kansas by checking for opportunities on these sites:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Professional organizations in Kansas include the following:<\/span><\/p>\n Acing your <\/span>job interview<\/span><\/a> is necessary to secure a teaching position in Kansas. But don’t stress; we’ve got some top tips to help you prepare:<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n According to the <\/span>US Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/span><\/a>, 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 <\/span>youngest states<\/span><\/a> in the US, and its youth population is expected to continue to increase.<\/span><\/p>\n The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average salary of an <\/span>elementary<\/span> teacher in Kansas is $55,060, and for <\/span>secondary<\/span><\/a> teachers, it’s $56,590.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Current education vacancies can be found via <\/span>Educate Kansas<\/span><\/a>. The <\/span>Kansas Board of Regents<\/span><\/a>Is Teaching the Right Career for You?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
State Requirements for Teaching in Kansas<\/span><\/h2>\n
1.Bachelor’s Degree<\/span><\/h3>\n
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2. Gain Student Teaching Experience<\/span><\/h3>\n
3. Pass Exams<\/span><\/h3>\n
4. Pass a Background Check<\/span><\/h3>\n
5. Get Certified<\/span><\/h3>\n
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6. <\/span>Consider Getting A Master’s Degree<\/span><\/h3>\n
Alternative Pathway To Teaching in Kansas<\/span><\/h2>\n
Getting Hired as a Teacher<\/span><\/h2>\n
Polish Your CV<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Upgrade Your Skill Set<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Begin Your Job Search<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Join a Professional Organization and Network<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Ace Your Job Interview<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Career Outlook & Salary in Kansas<\/span><\/h2>\n