How To Become a Teacher in Kansas 2025

<h3 id="section---Step1DecideWhatSubjectAndGradeLevelYouWantToTeach">Step 1: Decide What Subject and Grade Level You Want To Teach</h3><p>Knowing your desired subject or grade level ahead of time can help you determine what to major in and which certification exams to take. For example, if you want to <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Kindergarten_Teacher_How_to_Become_a_Kindergarten_Teacher_in_5_Steps.html">become a kindergarten teacher</a>, you may want to major in early childhood education; to become a special education teacher, you'll likely want to choose a degree in special education. </p><p>Let's look at how the requirements can differ for elementary, middle, and high school teachers. </p><h4 id="section---BecomingAnElementarySchoolTeacher">Becoming an Elementary School Teacher</h4><p>Elementary teachers typically major in elementary education. When completing student teaching requirements, they commonly fulfill these requirements in elementary schools. And you'll need to pass certification exams relative to teaching elementary-age students. </p><h4 id="section---BecomingAMiddleSchoolTeacher">Becoming a Middle School Teacher</h4><p>Middle school teacher educational requirements often include earning a degree in middle school education or the subject you want to teach. Prospective middle school teachers typically complete student teaching requirements in middle schools and pass certification exams related to teaching middle schoolers. </p><h4 id="section---BecomingAHighSchoolTeacher">Becoming a High School Teacher</h4><p>High school teacher educational requirements are similar to middle school requirements; students typically enroll in a secondary education degree program or choose to major in the subject area they hope to teach. They complete student teaching experiences at high schools and earn their teaching credentials by passing high school-level certification exams. </p><h3 id="section---Step2ChooseYourMajor">Step 2: Choose Your Major</h3><p>Choosing a degree is easy if you know what subject or grade level you want to teach. As noted, if you want to teach in an elementary school, you'll likely major in elementary education; someone hoping to teach physical education or social studies in high school could major in either of those fields or in secondary education. </p><p>Future teachers who aren't sure of their specific career path can choose a more generic education or teaching degree. These programs will help them gain experience with different groups so they can identify areas where they would like to specialize. </p><p>Regardless of your desired major, it's important to choose a state-approved teacher preparation program. This type of degree or certificate program will prepare you for passing the required certification exams in Kansas and will have student teaching experiences built directly into the program. </p><h3 id="section---Step3EarnYourBachelorSDegree">Step 3: Earn Your Bachelor's Degree</h3><p>All Kansas teachers are expected to hold a bachelor's degree. Most earn their degree as part of an approved teacher preparation program. </p><p>This type of degree program will include coursework relative to classroom management, subject matter instruction, and general teaching theories and philosophies. As part of the program, you'll need to complete at least eight credit hours or one year of student teaching experience. </p><p>If you are a career changer who already holds a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field, you can pursue an alternative route to teaching by pursuing a post-baccalaureate teaching certificate program. These programs help students fulfill all licensing and certification requirements in Kansas without having to earn a second bachelor's degree. </p><h3 id="section---Step4ConsiderAMasterSDegree">Step 4: Consider a Master's Degree</h3><p>Though earning a master's degree isn't required to teach in Kansas, getting this type of degree can be beneficial. Those with master's degrees often earn higher salaries and may qualify for more advanced teaching positions. </p><p>Getting an advanced degree can also help if you are changing careers. A master's degree in education can help a prospective teacher with an unrelated bachelor's degree qualify for a state teaching license in Kansas. </p><p>What's more, getting your master's degree can help you develop advanced knowledge in a specific area of teaching. It's also a great idea if you want to teach a specific subject or if you would like to teach advanced classes. </p><h3 id="section---Step5PassKansasTeachingExamsAndGainLicensure">Step 5: Pass Kansas Teaching Exams and Gain Licensure</h3><p>To become a certified teacher in Kansas, you'll need to pass a series of exams after graduating from your teacher preparation program. These include four Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exams; you'll need to complete at least one of these exams; more if you hope to become certified in multiple content areas. </p><p>Additionally, you'll need to complete subject matter tests in any grades or subjects you plan to teach. The Praxis II Subject Assessment tests are typically administered to fulfill this testing requirement. </p><p>After passing these exams, candidates must submit a background check and complete an application for their initial teaching license. As part of the application process, they will need to submit fingerprints, official transcripts, and passing exam scores. </p><h3 id="section---Step6ApplyForTeachingJobs">Step 6: Apply for Teaching Jobs</h3><p>New teachers can begin looking for their first job once they have received their initial license. They may want to consider applying with their local school system or any school district where they completed student teaching experiences. </p><p>Students can also apply for jobs with public or private schools throughout Kansas. They can look for job openings through school or district websites or by attending hiring events. </p><h2 id="section---HowToChooseTheRightTeachingDegreeProgram">How To Choose the Right Teaching Degree Program</h2><p>As noted above, certain teaching careers may require specific teaching degrees. For example, anyone hoping to teach special ed should consider majoring in special education. </p><p>That said, it's possible to begin a successful career by completing a more generalized education program. These programs are beneficial for students who aren't sure what teaching field to specialize in or for those who hope to teach multiple subjects or grade levels. </p><p>When choosing your major, think about your career goals and professional interests. If there are any specific subjects that interest you or age groups you enjoy working with, choose the major that will help you pursue these interests professionally. </p><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutBecomingATeacherInKansas">FAQs About Becoming a Teacher in Kansas</h2><p>If you still have questions about becoming a teacher in Kansas, keep reading. Below, we'll explore a handful of frequently asked questions you may be wondering about. </p><h3 id="section---WhatRequirementsAreNeededToBeATeacherInKansas">What Requirements Are Needed To Be a Teacher in Kansas?</h3><p>Teaching requirements in Kansas are similar to those in other states. You will need to earn a bachelor's degree and may want to consider a master's program as well. As part of your degree or a specialized certificate program, you'll complete student teaching obligations. Once these have been completed, you'll sit for various exams depending on the subjects and grade levels you want to teach and, upon passing these tests, will apply for state licensure. </p><h3 id="section---DoRequirementsDifferAtPrivateSchoolsAndPublicSchools">Do Requirements Differ at Private Schools and Public Schools?</h3><p>Though broad general requirements are determined by the <a href="https://www.ksde.gov/Agency/Division-of-Learning-Services/Teacher-Licensure-TL/License-Application">Kansas State Department of Education</a>, individual schools and districts may have additional requirements for teachers. Requirements between public and private schools may differ depending on the specific requirements each school and district establishes. </p><h3 id="section---HowFastCanYouBecomeATeacherInKansas">How Fast Can You Become a Teacher in Kansas?</h3><p>Candidates can become teachers in Kansas as soon as they fulfill all teacher education and certification requirements. Those who already hold a bachelor's degree can complete a short-term training program, potentially meeting all requirements within a year or so. Learners who are just starting out in college will need to complete a degree. If this degree is combined with a state-approved teacher preparation program, students can become teachers in about four to five years. </p><h3 id="section---HowDoIRenewMyTeacherCertificationInKansas">How Do I Renew My Teacher Certification in Kansas?</h3><p>Initial teaching licenses in Kansas must be renewed or upgraded after two years. Those who upgrade to the Professional Teaching License must renew their license every five years. To renew a license, teachers must complete professional development and mentorship programs through their school district and submit a renewal application. </p><h2 id="section---DiscoverOnlineEducationPrograms">Discover Online Education Programs</h2><p>If you're ready to start your teaching career in Kansas, consider the colleges and universities featured on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools for more information on their teacher preparation programs and to choose the best option for you.</p>