School Teaching Requirements in Kansas, KS
Kansas, ranking 15th in population, has 468,510 students. There are 1,445 public schools, broken down into 782 elementary, 258 middle, and 359 high schools. Kansas has tested very well in the SAT and the ACT, with scores well above national average in all three portions of the exam. However, states typically score higher when only a small portion of the students take the exam, and while Kansas’ scores are good, only 1,822 students took the test last year, down from the 2,300 that took it the year prior. Kansas has a graduation rate of 76% which is above average, but still maintains an average high school to college enrollment ratio.
Kansas School Teacher Certification Requirements:
- Initial Teaching License (valid for 2 years)
- Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or university
- Complete an approved Kansas Teacher Preparation Program
- Have 8 credit hours of teaching courses/experience
- Take and Pass the Praxis I test
- Take and Pass the Praxis II test in appropriate subject matter
- Pass the PLT (Principles of Learning and Teaching) assessment
- Fulfill state fingerprinting requirements
- Pass a criminal background check
- Complete the certification application packed, including transcripts, certifications, and references
- Pay any applicable fees
Kansas Teaching Professional Certificate:
The Professional Certificate is issued upon review after the initial 3 year license has expired, this license is then valid for a period of 5 years after which it must be renewed.
Some districts may require additional training and certification.
Kansas Teaching Employment Outlook:
Teachers are in need in Kansas, with an emphasis on highly qualified educators. The Kansas school board is particularly interested in teachers receiving the National Board Certification, and has even recently recognized those who obtained one on the state website. There are a few sites online the school districts have posted job offerings for, specific to school and district, although most of those positions are directed towards current teachers with high qualifications. On the whole the teaching industry has proved to be a relatively safe job market, and teachers in Kansas weathered the economic storm of the recession as well as any. As in any state, it is a good idea to have a Masters or PhD as that is certainly an eye catcher for prospective employers, especially in Kansas where a high degree of qualification is valued and in need.
Kansas School Teacher Salary Expectation:
Kansas is up from 46h to 42th ranked nationally in salary with the average teacher making $42,696 in 2009-2010 (according to bls.gov). Student enrollment in Kansas has remained fairly consistent, with the obvious fluctuation due to a growing state population. Although Kansas doesn’t rank too high in average teacher salary, the average cost of living in the state is significantly less then average across the country. Higher salaries do go to those with special qualifications such as board certification, so a higher salary is possible.