The preK-12 public school system of the State of Kansas consists of 287 school districts with 1,305 schools. With more than 36,400 teachers and over 497,700 students, the 1:14 teacher-to-student ratio is lower than the 1:16 national average.
The state of education in Kansas is a mixed bag of the good and the bad. On one hand, Kansas is considered among the nation’s top 10 states in educational outcomes. Even in terms of high school graduation, post-secondary participation, and test scores, the individual outcomes, Kansas usually ranks in the top half.
On the other hand, Kansas doesn’t fare as well in college preparation and readiness among students. It is a cause for concern among government officials and stakeholders.
Fortunately, Kansas is undertaking policy reforms in its public education system intended to address these concerns, among others. These include increasing reading literacy, retraining educators in structured literacy and reading, and improving tax credit scholarships for low-income students.
Do you want to be part of these reforms and contribute to the public education system’s betterment? If yes, you should consider earning an online degree in education at one of the state-approved teacher preparation programs. You will find that it’s an excellent foundation for a successful teaching career in The Sunflower State.
Related:
- Best 1 Year Online Master’s in Education Programs
- Top Online Colleges for Early Childhood Education
- Best Online English as a Second Language Endorsement Programs
- Top Online Special Education Endorsement Programs
- Best Schools Offering Online Reading Endorsements
Requirements for Teaching Licensure in Kansas
The Kansas State Department of Education oversees the teacher licensure process and procedures. The Teacher Licensure and Accreditation (TLA) office is the specific agency for this purpose.
The three main types of teaching licenses in Kansas are as follows.
- Initial Teaching License
For in-state applicants, the requirements for the 2-year Initial Teaching License are:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program
- Completion of at least one year of accredited teaching experience within the last six years or eight credit hours (i.e., recency)
- Passing content assessment test in the endorsement areas
- Passing the pedagogy assessment test (i.e., Principles of Learning and Teaching)
Out-of-state applicants must also comply with the first three in-state requirements plus other requirements. These include passing content and pedagogy tests.
- Professional Teaching License
The 5-year renewable Professional Teaching License requires:
- An Initial Teaching License
- Completion of state-approved mentoring program
- A master’s degree or National Board Certification or five years of teaching experience in the last six years
- Accomplished Teaching License
The 10-year renewable Accomplished Teaching License requires the following for approval:
- A Professional Teaching License
- National Board Certification
Other types of teaching and education licenses:
- Initial School Leadership License
- Initial School Specialist License
- Provisional Special Education Teaching License
- Professional School Leadership License
- Substitute Teaching License
- Emergency Substitute Teaching License
Applicants for all types of licenses must undergo a background check, including fingerprinting. Continuing professional development is a must for license renewal.
Online Education Program Admission Requirements
Undergraduate and graduate online programs in education in Kansas colleges and universities have fairly selective admission standards. High school students, for example, must prepare for the rigorous academics in education programs.
The typical admission requirements for bachelor’s degree programs include:
- Application form and paid application fee, if any
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Official transcripts
Graduate degree programs have these typical admission requirements:
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree
- Official transcripts
- Curriculum vitae or professional resume
- Personal essays with prompts or statements of purpose
- Letters of reference or recommendation
Graduate degree programs usually require a valid license and proof of relevant work experience. If you’re a career changer, you should look into online programs that provide non-teaching professionals with a clear path toward licensure. K-State offers an MA in Teaching program with a Licensure track for candidates without a valid Kansas teaching license.
Average Annual Salaries For Common Educator Roles in Kansas
- Elementary School Teachers $62,157
- Middle School Teachers $62,890
- High School Teachers $62,900
- Special Education Teachers $60,031
- Superintendents $170,204
- School Administrators $114,017
- Principals $112,964
- Assistant Principals $92,748
- Curriculum Developers $62,630
- Instructional Coordinators $71,848
Scholarships for Future Educators in Kansas
- The Kansas Teacher Service Scholarship grants up to $5,536 per academic year to scholars who must perform a service obligation.
- The KNEA Aspiring Educators offers six annual scholarships ranging from $200 to $1,000 per recipient.
- The Kansas PTA Future Teacher Scholarship welcomes junior students in education programs to apply.
The 5 Best Online Education Degree Providers in Kansas
These Kansas universities are considered among the best providers of online degree programs in education for the following reasons:
- With regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Known for their exceptional standards in academics, faculty credentials and instruction quality, and student support services
- Offer students more choices in online education degree programs
University of Kansas
The state’s flagship institution, the University of Kansas is a well-known public research university that prides itself on knowledge acquisition and innovation. The School of Education and Human Sciences is home to online graduate programs in education for working professionals. CAEP and NCATE accredit these programs.
- MSE in Curriculum and Instruction
The 30-credit program can be completed in as few as two years. Students spend eight weeks per course and complete ten courses to earn the degree. The practitioner-focused program offers three concentrations:
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Reading
- TESOL
Choose the Reading concentration if you’re interested in contributing to the state’s literacy reform program.
- MSE in Educational Administration
This is a 36-credit program that features 12 courses with each course lasting for eight weeks. Students can complete it in as few as two years and prepare for success as an education leader.
- MSE in Secondary Special Education and Transition
Students learn the practical knowledge and skills for creating and applying effective transition programs. This is also a 30-credit program with a 2-year time-to-completion, on average.
- MSE in Special Education
Teachers specializing in special education are in high demand. Earning the MSE in Special Education degree is a great start. Students can choose from two concentrations:
- Autism (36 credits)
- High Incidence Disabilities (33 credits with two fieldwork experiences)
KU also offers two doctoral degree programs that prepare students for advanced leadership positions:
- EdD in Educational Administration
- EdD in Higher Education Administration
Both have a practitioner-centric approach with students learning under the guidance of nationally-recognized faculty.
- In-state Tuition: $11,167
- Online Education Degrees: 6
- Homepage
Baker University
Baker, a private university, is known for its strong liberal arts focus, innovative instruction, and academic excellence. Online students praise the high student engagement even without in-person interactions. The master’s degree programs feature intensive coursework that prepares students for the challenges of leadership ahead.
- MS in Instructional Design and Performance Technology
This is a 36-credit program that features extensive coursework and requires completion of an IDPT-relevant master’s project. Students can earn the degree in two years of full-time enrollment. The maximum time-to-degree is six years.
- MA in Education
Students in the 30-credit program sharpen their teaching skills and prepare for leadership roles. The culminating requirement is a capstone project or portfolio.
- MS in School Leadership
The online program features a 37-credit curriculum that develops the student’s skills in leadership, communication, and organization. Students must complete a portfolio, achieve an 8.0 composite average on the Professional Skills Survey, and complete at least three years of teaching experience.
- MS in Special Education
With special education teachers being in high demand, earning the MS in Special Education degree results in more job opportunities. Students complete between 33 and 36 credits of coursework, including practicum courses.
- MS in Higher Education Leadership
The 36-credit curriculum has a heavy emphasis on the study of academic advising, admissions, and enrollment management. Students prepare for leadership roles in colleges and universities, such as financial aid managers and admissions administrators.
- In-state Tuition: $33,800
- Online Education Degrees: 5
- Homepage
Emporia State University
Founded as the Kansas State Normal School, Emporia State has a robust 160-year tradition of teacher training. Today, its online degree programs in education feature contemporary and comprehensive curricula. The CAEP-accredited Teachers College is respected for its excellent student learning and graduate outcomes, too.
- MS in Curriculum and Instruction – Curriculum Leadership PreK-12 online
Students tackle the rigorous 33-credit curriculum to earn a respected master’s degree. Time-to-degree can be as few as 12 months, but it’s a self-paced program. Students are usually practicing educators with ambitions in curriculum leadership in public and private schools.
- MS in Curriculum and Instruction – Effective Practitioner PreK-12
Becoming a more effective teacher and leader in education settings is the 33-credit program’s main objective. Students learn the best practices for increasing student learning and engagement.
- MS in Curriculum and Instruction – Instructional Coach/Teacher Leader PreK-12
Students in the 33-credit program learn the best practices of instructional coaching for teachers and educator leaders. Time-to-degree is as few as two years, too.
- MS in Curriculum & Instruction – National Board Certification PreK-12
If you’re interested in becoming a National Board Certified Teacher, this is the best program for you. The 33-credit program features online coursework that emphasizes portfolio development and review for the exam.
- MS in Educational Administration
This is also a 33-credit program with a 2-year time-to-degree for motivated students. Graduates qualify for athletic director or school principal positions, among other leadership positions.
- In-state Tuition: $10,956 for all master’s degree online programs
- Online Education Degrees: 2
- Homepage
Kansas State University
K-State, a public land-grant research university, is the oldest public university in Kansas (1863). Over the years, it has gained a reputation for academic excellence that attracts aspiring and current teachers to its online education programs.
- Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education
Students learn the best practices in teaching young children (birth to pre-kindergarten) and preparing them for further education. The curriculum emphasizes teaching both neurotypical children and children with diverse needs. This is a 120-credit program with a 4-year time-to-degree.
- Bachelor’s in Elementary Education
The 120-credit curriculum prepares students for successful elementary grade (pre-kindergarten to grade six) teaching. Graduates are eligible for an Initial Teaching License.
- Master’s in Special Education
Students develop advanced knowledge and skills in teaching children with special needs. The 30-credit program offers concentrations in low-incidence special education and high-incidence special education.
Check out these online programs, too.
- MA in Teaching with concentrations in:
- Elementary Education (Practitioner and Licensure tracks offered; eligibility for K-6 Initial Teaching License)
- Secondary Education (Practitioner and Licensure tracks offered; specializations offered are in English, mathematics, agricultural education, social studies, and modern languages; eligibility for Initial Teaching License)
- Master’s in Academic Advising
- Master’s in Adult Learning and Leadership
- MS in Curriculum and Instruction with concentrations in:
- Learning Skills/School Improvement
- Mathematics Education
- Middle-Level/Secondary
- Reading Specialist
- Reading/Language Arts
- Teaching Civics and Government
- World Modern Language
- Educational Technology
- Elementary/Middle-Level
- English as a Second Language
- Master’ in Early Childhood Education
- Master’s in Educational Leadership
- PhD and EdD in Leadership in Academic Advising
- PhD and EdD in Adult Learning and Leadership
- Curriculum and Instruction Doctorate
- EdD in Educational Leadership
- PhD in Student Affairs in Higher Education
- PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision Doctorate
- In-state Tuition: $10,942
- Online Education Degrees: 16
- Homepage
Wichita State University
WSU, a public research university, offers online degree programs in education through its College of Applied Studies. Online learning allows undergraduate and graduate students to maintain a good work-life balance while earning their degrees.
- BA in Education
This is a program intended for paraeducators who want to become licensed teachers and advance their teaching careers. Note that this is a Teacher Apprentice Program where graduates can apply for two teaching licenses – an early unified license and an elementary teaching license.
Students choose between these options:
- Option 1 is for candidates with an associate degree in elementary education or with a general emphasis.
- Option 2 is for candidates without an associate of arts degree.
Admission requirements include references, a certificate of health, and a criminal background check.
- MEd in Learning and Instructional Design
Students in the 30-credit fully online program consist of current K-12 teachers and corporate trainers. The curriculum emphasizes effective instructional content and delivery, instructional leadership, and program design. Students can choose between a thesis and a non-thesis track.
- MEd in Special Education
Note that this is a hybrid program with both in-person and online classes. Students are well-prepared for doctoral degree studies after graduation. The 31-credit program also offers a 24-credit option to earn an Early Childhood Unified endorsement.
There are three concentrations offered:
- High Incidence
- Low Incidence
- High Incidence Alternative Certification
- In-state Tuition: $8,860
- Online Education Degrees: 3
- Homepage
Directory of Online Education Degree Providers in Kansas
MidAmerica Nazarene University
- Location: Olathe, KS
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 3
- Accreditation: HLC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $36,120
- Master in Education
- Master of Science in Elementary Education Unified
- Master of Science in Educational Technology
University of Saint Mary
- Location: Leavenworth, KS
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 2
- Accreditation: HLC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $33,890
- EdD in Innovative Leadership with concentrations in:
- Innovative Higher Education Leadership
- Innovation in Curriculum and Instruction
- MA in Education
Friends University
- Location: Wichita, KS
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 2
- Accreditation: HLC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $32,748
- BS in Elementary Education
- Master of Education with concentrations in:
- Teaching & Learning
- P-12: Special Education High Incidence
- Dyslexia and Literacy Interventionist
Southwestern College
- Location: Winfield, KS
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 3
- Accreditation: HLC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $38,480
- Bachelor’s in Elementary Education
- MEd in School Leadership
- EdD in Educational Leadership
Sterling College
- Location: Sterling, KS
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 1
- Accreditation: HLC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $30,000
- Bachelor’s in Elementary Education
Newman University
- Location: Wichita, KS
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 1
- Accreditation: HLC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $34,400
- MS in Education
Tabor College
- Location: Hillsboro, KS
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 1
- Accreditation: HLC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $48,360
- MEd in Neuroscience and Trauma
Pittsburg State University
- Location: Pittsburg, KS
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 9
- Accreditation: HLC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $7,970
- Master’s in Career and Technical Education
- MEd in School Health
- Master’s of Educational Leadership
- Master’s in Educational Technology
- MS in Teaching with Concentrations in:
- Elementary
- English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
- Secondary
- Special Education High-Incidence K-6
- Special Education
- Master’s in Health, Human Performance and Recreation with an Emphasis in Physical Education
- Master’s in Reading
- EdS in Advanced Studies in Leadership with an Emphasis in Special Education
- Master’s in Special Education Teaching
Washburn University
- Location: Topeka, KS
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 9
- Accreditation: HLC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $9,306
- MEd in Building Leadership P-12
- MEd in High Incidence Special Education Elementary K-6 or Secondary 6-12
- MEd in High Incidence Special Education Elementary K-6 (for Washburn graduates only)
- MEd in Reading/ESLO Specialist
- MEd in Curriculum & Instruction with an emphasis in Literacy
- MEd in Curriculum & Instruction in Educational Studies
- MEd in Educational Leadership
- MEd in Special Education – Licensure
- MEd in Reading/ESOL – Licensure
