School Teaching Requirements in Kentucky, KY
Kentucky, ranking 26th in population, has 631,334 students. There are 1,474 public schools, broken down into 800 elementary, 236 middle, and 309 high schools. Kentucky has tested decently well in both the SAT and ACT, staying marginally under the national average. 2009 was the first year that Kentucky’s public school student’s scores were reported for the SAT, so it is more then likely scores will begin to improve now that the state has put extra emphasis on the test. Kentucky has a graduation rate of 83.91% which is well above average, maintaining an average post high school college enrollment rate.
School Teacher Certification Requirements:
- Initial Teaching License (valid for 3 years)
- -Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or university
- -Complete an approved Kentucky Teacher Preparation Program
- -Submit transcripts and references from your College or University
- -Take and Pass the Praxis I test
- -Take and Pass the Praxis II test in appropriate subject matter
- -Fulfill state fingerprinting requirements
- -Pass a criminal background check
- -Complete the certification application packed, including transcripts, certifications, and references
- -Pay any applicable fees
School Teacher Professional Certificate in Kentucky:
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.
School Teacher Employment Outlook in Kentucky:
Kentucky is in need of teachers, especially those with high qualifications. In order to help teachers gain highly qualified status, the state has created a ‘Highly Effective Teaching and Learning’ program, which helps educators take the next step forward in their career. The Kentucky school board is also interested in teachers that receive a National Board certification, and even offers bonus in pay to those who receive one. The teaching industry has proven to be relatively stable even through the volatile job market of the recession, and Kentucky faired as well as any other state. 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 states like Kentucky where a high degree of qualification is valued and in need.
School Teacher Salary Expectation in Kentucky:
Kentucky is down from 23h to 27th ranked nationally in salary with the average teacher making $48,226 in 2009-2010 (according to bls.gov). Student enrollment in Kentucky has remained fairly consistent, with the obvious fluctuation due to a growing state population, and as such salary raises have remained consistent with inflation in Kentucky. Relative to the average salary in the state, teachers in Kentucky make a better then average wage, and with extra certification and qualification it is easily possible to make even more.