Teacher vacancies reported in Kansas public schools reached 1,810 positions this past fall and school leaders frequently say one of their greatest challenges is finding highly qualified teachers.
Traditionally, there has been an adequate supply of applicants for education positions. However, the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded in teaching peaked nationally around 200,000 in 1972. It is now consistently below 100,000. At the same time, enrollment in public schools has increased by over 11 percent. In addition, there is increasing demand for teachers in the areas of special education, bilingual services, early childhood, and career and technical education.
Many factors influence the supply of teachers, from pay and benefits to support from administration, peers, parents, and students. However, it is education and licensure requirements that determine who is eligible to teach. The Kansas State Board of Education has Constitutional authority over teacher training and licensing, but the Kansas Legislature often tries to direct the Board to take certain actions.
The State Board has consistently tried to strike a balance between the training and experience required for all teachers and the desire to allow prospective teachers to begin teaching more quickly and with fewer perceived barriers. The State Board and others have been developing new options for teacher training and licensure. In some of these programs, local school boards and leaders play an important role.
Traditional License. The oldest and most common path to teaching in Kansas is to enroll in and successfully complete an approved college teacher training program. Students take courses in both pedagogy (how to teach) and content (what is being taught). This entitles individuals to be licensed but they are also required to earn endorsements that qualify them to teach a specific subject or grade. Licenses and endorsements are also required for school and district administrators and specialists like counselors and librarians.
Adding Endorsements. One way to address the staffing shortage is to increase endorsements in needed positions. Endorsements are typically earned through additional college coursework and testing. The State Board allows some endorsements to be added simply by demonstrating knowledge. A teacher may also receive a Provisional license that allows teaching in a new area while completing the necessary training.
Registered Teacher Apprenticeship. A new path beginning this year is aimed at potential teachers who do not already have bachelor’s degrees. This includes recent high school graduates and current school employees, like paraeducators who want to become teachers. The program requires a partnership between a school district, a college, and the state Department of Commerce. The teacher apprentice receives pay for working for the district, with support from a mentor teacher, while learning the pedagogy and content from the college over a four-year period. Compensation increases as knowledge and skills increase. State funds are available to help pay for college tuition and fees.
Expired License. Generally, a teaching license must be renewed every five years by completing professional development or college hours. Those with expired licenses who have left teaching or retired are potential employees but lack current licensure. They can receive a one-year Transitional license that allows full-time teaching while completing just 50 percent of the normal professional development requirement to renew their license.
Licensed by Other States and Countries. All other states have similar traditional teacher educational routes which generally transfer licensure to Kansas. However some states allow nontraditional routes to licensure. There are a number of ways these individuals may receive a Kansas license. These include various approaches involving experience, testing, or KSDE review. Kansas is also part of the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact which recognizes licensure from member states. Teachers credentialed in countries approved by KSDE may receive a “Foreign Exchange License” for up to three years.
Restricted License. Another group of potential secondary-level teachers are those with a bachelor's degree in the subject but not a teaching degree. Such individuals may receive a Restricted license if they pass a test in the content area while taking teaching courses over a two-year period. These “Transition to Teaching” programs allow a path to teaching from a different career. Individuals with a degree and experience in certain areas like science, math, engineering, and technology may receive a STEM license without additional training. In addition, a small number of individuals are licensed annually as “visiting scholars” to teach subjects based on a combination of advanced education, experience, and talent or distinction.
Restricted CTE and CTE Specialized Certificate. Flexible options exist for those in Career and Technical Education fields without a bachelor's degree. Restricted CTE licensure allows individuals to teach with the required experience while completing training. A CTE-specialized license allows someone to teach full-time if they have five years of experience and an industry-recognized credential. Part-time teaching is possible with lesser experience and certifications. Both CTE credentials are district-specific and limited to secondary grades.
How School Leaders Can Support Future Teachers.
- Create a CTE pathway in Education and Training.
- Encourage and support students attending the summer Kansas Future Teachers Academy.
- Participate in the new Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program.
- Provide financial assistance to individuals who need additional college training to receive, renew, or enhance their teaching credentials.
- Support a strong district professional development program for current employees.
Click here to view teacher licensure resources on the KSDE website.
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