Want to become a teacher in the great state of Kansas? If so, you have come to the right place. Below you will find a short article that lists the steps to becoming a teacher in Kansas.

Step 1: Complete an Approved Teacher Preparation Program

To teach in the U.S., educators must hold at least an undergraduate degree. The state of Kansas also requires students to complete a state-approved teacher education program to receive certification. A list of accredited teacher education programs in Kansas can be found on the Kansas Department of Education Preparation Programs and Institutions page.

Some U.S. states also have specific course and semester-hour requirements. Kansas does not list specific course or semester-hour requirements, but every college or university teacher education program will have requirements of its own. Contact your teacher education program or the Department of Education for more information.

Teacher education programs generally consist of two elements—curriculum and field experiences. The curriculum generally includes instruction on teaching foundational skills, pedagogy (the science of teaching), and preparing students to research, create and implement learning experiences in their field of study. Field experiences often include field observations, internships, student teaching, or a combination of all three. Check with your teacher education program or the Department of Education for more information about specific requirements.

Step 2: Complete the Required Exams

Most U.S. states require exams to show competency in Basic Skills, as well as in the desired Subject Area. Kansas requires only the Praxis II: Subject Exams in your specialty area and the Praxis II PLT (Principles of Learning and Teaching) test.

Kansas issues three types of license: Initial (for a teacher’s first 2 years), Professional (requiring a performance assessment and good for 5 years), and Accomplished (good for 10 years).  Visit the Kansas Department of Education Teacher Licensure and Accreditation page to learn more about getting your Kansas teaching credential.

Step 3: Submit a Kansas Teaching Credential Application

Once you have successfully finished all of your educational obligations, completed your student teaching requirements, and passed all of the required assessments, you may apply for teaching licensure in the state of Kansas. The licensure officer at your university will walk you through the application process, which can be done online. Complete your part of the application then send it electronically to your program’s licensure officer, so they can complete the rest. Finally, pay the application fees online.