Teaching Education Degrees in Kansas

There are more than 30 accredited colleges in Kansas that offer some sort of teaching program. We have reviewed some of the top schools and what they can offer as well some general information on teaching in Kansas.

Like most states, Kansas requires that their teachers complete at least a bachelor degree program, a teacher preparation program and obtain certification and licensure.

Teaching certification and degrees in Kansas

Kansas has three levels of certification. The initial level, which is good for two years, is for an individual just starting out as a teacher. The professional level, good for five years, requires the teacher complete a performance assessment. The accomplished level, which is good for ten years, is for teachers that are nationally certified through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

• 3 teaching programs in Kansas accredited by CAEP
• Consider an Online Bachelors, as there are 0 CAEP-accredited Bachelor's degrees
• Consider an Online M.Ed., as there are 0 CAEP-accredited Master's degrees in Kansas

Which teaching degree should you choose?

A student who has no teaching experience and is initially starting his or her teaching career would typically choose a bachelor's degree program in majors like elementary education, secondary education or special education to name just a few. In addition to choosing a bachelor's degree program, the student may wish to choose concentrations or minors in areas like music, mathematics, science or social studies.

Teachers in elementary schools may not be required to minor in certain subjects whereas middle school or high school teachers generally focus their studies on the subjects they wish to teach. Master degree programs are usually used by holders of bachelor degree programs. Master degree programs are not usually required for teaching in elementary or middle schools but can increase your earning potential and provide you with more job security, particularly since the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.

Requirements to Teach in Kansas

The appropriate standardized tests and the amount of undergraduate coursework must be completed to earn a Kansas teaching credential. There are three types of licenses issued in Kansas' Initial, Professional, and Accomplished.

The Initial license is issued for the teacher's first two years. Professional licenses require a performance assessment. They are valid for five years. To receive an Accomplished license, teachers must achieve certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

Career professionals having the appropriate prerequisite coursework can easily transition to teaching through the Restricted Teaching License Alternative Pathway offered by Kansas. It allows professionals to teach content areas at the secondary level or all levels of specific subject areas while they work towards the application for a full teaching license in Kansas.

Veterans may be eligible for Troops for Teachers program. Kansas has a certification reciprocity agreement with 41 states. Transcripts, completing a teacher preparation program approved by the state, a Bachelor's degree, a current state-issued teaching certificate, completion of competency exams, a fingerprint background check, and recency stipulation satisfaction are required.

Scholarships/Financial Aid Available

Student financial aid includes loans, scholarships, and grants. They are available through philanthropic organizations, private corporations, and state and federal government. Administration of state-funded scholarships and grants is the responsibility of the Kansas Board of Regents.

To apply for federal and many state student aid programs, a student must complete a FAFSA. Some grants and scholarships include:

• Kansas Comprehensive Grant The award is limited assistance provided to financially needy students who are enrolled at one of the 18 private universities or colleges located in Kansas, Washburn University, or six state universities.
• Kansas Teacher Service Scholarships - The scholarships are part of a service obligation, merit-based program. Scholarships provide financial assistance to students working towards a Bachelor's degree or licensed teachers working towards endorsements or Master's degrees in a hard-to-fill discipline. They are also available to either group who plans to teach in underserved geographic areas. Recipients are eligible for as many as ten semesters for undergraduate or graduate work.

Requirements to Qualify for In-State Tuition

Residence refers to a student's primary place of habitation. When absent, the student plans to return. A student is not considered a resident for in-state tuition unless he or she physically and continuously resides in Kansas and plans on making Kansas their permanent home after attending an educational institution.

None of the following factors are considered in support of a resident status claim unless the applicant lived in Kansas for a minimum of one year before enrollment or re-enrollment.

• Continuous presence in Kansas when not enrolled at a college or university
• Employment in Kansas
• Pay Kansas resident income taxes
• Rely on Kansas sources for support
• Committed to an educational program that indicates an intention to live in Kansas permanently
• Accept an offer in Kansas for permanent employment
• Admitted to a Kansas licensed practicing profession
• Own a primary home in Kansas

The determination of residency for married students is made separate from a spouse.

List of the Best CAEP Accredited Teaching Degrees in Kansas

Emporia State University

Emporia

CAEP

• Specialist or C.A.S. in School Psychology NASP

University of Kansas

Lawrence

CAEP

• Specialist or C.A.S. in School Psychology NASP

Wichita State University

Wichita

CAEP

• Specialist or C.A.S. in School Psychology NASP

Bachelor’s in Education Degrees in KS

Bachelor and master degree teaching programs can be found at Emporia State University, Friends University, University of Kansas, Kansas State University, and Pittsburgh State University to name just a few. ESU offers a couple of Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education programs. One is aimed at students with an associate degree or those that hold a non-teaching bachelor degree while another is a four-year completion program that the student starts at a community college and finishes at the university.

Friends University offers bachelor degree programs in art education; elementary education; physical education teacher education; math education and music education. These four-year programs include coursework and internships. Kansas State University offers bachelor degrees in elementary education and secondary education with concentrations in English, modern languages, mathematics, science, social science and special education.

Master’s in Education Degrees in KS

ESU offers a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction, a Master of Education in Teaching and a Master of Science in Educational Administration. The MS in Curriculum and Instruction offers concentrations in effective practitioner; curriculum leadership; and National Board Certification. ESU also offers master degree programs in Instructional Specialist – Reading Specialist PK-12; Instructional Specialist-Elementary STEM; Special Education; Teaching; TESOL and Early Childhood Unified.

A Master of Education and Learning degree, consisting of courses and workshops, is offered both on campus and online through Friends University. KSU’s master degree programs are offered in adult and continuing education; curriculum and instruction; educational leadership; school counseling; academic advising; special education; and college student development.

Online Teaching Degrees in KS

Barclay College has an online elementary education bachelor degree program that prepares students to teach grades K-6. A Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies program is offered online through Emporia State University. Students in this program, which is also offered on campus, can choose from the following areas of study: information literacy, community leadership, communication, and problem solving/decision making.

ESU also offers the first year courses for its bachelor degree program online. An online bachelor degree in education and several master degree programs are also offered online through ESU. Pittsburgh State University and University of Kansas both offer various online master degree teaching and educational programs.

Kansas Teacher Certification & Specializations

Emporia State University offers several certification and licensure programs including early childhood unified birth-8; English as a second language; gifted, talented and creative; and various types of post-baccalaureate licensure programs. A coaching endorsement is offered through KSU for students wishing to coach in high schools or for the community.

KSU also offers endorsements for licensure in the following areas: English as a second language; adaptive and functional special education; school counselor license; reading specialist license; and leadership licenses.