The Commonwealth of Kentucky ensures every student has an equal opportunity to quality education through policies, laws, and regulations. The state agencies responsible for Kentucky’s K-12 education system are the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) and the Kentucky Board of Education. Basically, the KBE sets the educational policies and regulations while the KDE implements them.
In 2022, Kentucky’s public school education system consisted of more than 660,000 students and over 43,000 teachers in 1,542 schools. There were more than 76,000 students and over 6,200 teachers in 480 private schools. Indeed, aspiring teachers will find plenty of teaching opportunities across Kentucky’s K-12 system.
The Bluegrass State makes it mandatory for children 6-16 years old to attend schools, such as public schools, private schools, charter schools, and homeschooling. Unfortunately, Kentucky doesn’t fare well in education rankings – U.S. News, for example, ranks it #32 in education metrics. Children of color and in poverty are particularly affected.
Kentucky, however, is hard at work in its education reforms. Besides the 1990 Kentucky Education Reform Act, the state has adopted other reform-centric laws, such as the 2011 Unbridled Learning Accountability Model, the Kentucky Academic Standards, and the Professional Growth and Effectiveness System.
If you’re interested in an active part in these reforms, you should consider pursuing a teaching degree in Kentucky. Here’s what you need to know to get started in the right direction.
Related:
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- 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 Kentucky
The Education Professional Standards Board is in charge of the teacher and administrator certification process in Kentucky. Every type of certificate has specific eligibility requirements and procedures. But here are the general steps and eligibility requirements set by the EPSB.
- Educational requirements
First-time certification applicants must possess the following credentials:
- A bachelor’s degree from any regionally accredited institution
- Completion of a state-approved educator preparation program, either as part of a bachelor’s degree program or an alternative certification program
Applicants must submit proof of completion of both requirements.
- Complete student teaching experience
Relevant classroom experience is a must for teaching certification, usually through one semester of practicum in the appropriate grade level and content area. This translates to at least 200 hours of K-12 student teaching experience.
- Achieve passing scores on the mandatory certification tests
The types of certification exams required depend on the type of teaching certification being sought after. In general, the assessment exams are:
- Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators that include exams for reading, writing, and math competencies
- Praxis Subject Assessments
- Apply for teaching certification
Be sure to create your personal EPSB online account since documents are submitted online. The requirements include:
- Completed teacher certification application form
- Official transcripts for bachelor’s and master’s degrees
- Proof of full-time classroom teaching experience
- Proof of completion of educator preparation program and recommendation for license
- Passing scores on the required Praxis exams
- Non-refundable application fee.
EPSB also requires passing a federal and state background check.
Kentucky also offers several alternative pathways to certification designated as options. Examples include:
- Option 6 – University-Based Alternative Route
- Option 7 – Exceptional Work Experience
- Option 8 – Local District Training Program
EPSB issues the following base teaching certificates:
- Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education
- Elementary School
- Middle School
- Secondary School
- Middle/Secondary School
- Exceptional Children
Practicing teachers with a valid five-year certification must renew it at the designated time. Renewal requirements include at least three years of teaching experience in the past five years or six graduate credit hours.
Online Education Program Admission Requirements
Admission requirements into bachelor’s in education online degree programs include:
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Official transcripts
- Completed online application form and application fee payment
There are more admission requirements for master’s and doctoral in education online degree programs, including:
- Bachelor’s degree or master’s degree
- Official transcripts from undergraduate and graduate coursework, usually with a minimum cumulative GPA requirement
- Standardized test scores (e.g., GRE), if required
- Curriculum vitae or professional resume
- Letters of reference or recommendation
- Statement of purpose or essays with prompts
Graduate degree programs usually require specific work requirements and a valid teaching certificate.
Average Annual Salaries For Common Educator Roles in Kentucky
- Elementary School Teachers $61,438
- Middle School Teachers $62,190
- High School Teachers $62,200
- Special Education Teachers $59,337
- Superintendents $168,237
- School Administrators $112,699
- Principals $111,658
- Assistant Principals $91,700
- Curriculum Developers $76,000
- Instructional Coordinators $71,189
Scholarships for Future Educators in Kentucky
- The Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority’s Teacher Scholarship Program awards up to $5,000 to scholars. There’s a service obligation.
- The Kentucky Association of Professional Educators offers scholarships for KAPE family members and star student/teacher mentors, as well as for professional development.
The 5 Best Online Education Degree Providers in Kentucky
These five Kentucky universities were chosen based on the following criteria:
- Have regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Approved by EPSB for teacher education and certification
- Obtained programmatic accreditation from the CAEP – Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
- Provide excellent academics, quality of instruction, and student support services
Campbellsville University
Known for its emphasis on academic excellence and social justice, Campbellsville University offers many online education programs.
- B.S. in Elementary Education (P–5)
The 123-credit curriculum consists of didactic coursework and clinical experiences. Students can earn the degree in four years or less and can apply for a teaching certification after graduation. There’s an option to earn a B.S. in Learning and Behavior Disorders for a double degree and dual licensure.
- B.S. in Early Childhood Education
This 120-credit program offers an optional Montessori Area of Specialty for added teaching expertise and, thus, job competitiveness. Students can also earn a Director’s Credential alongside a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.
- B.S. in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education
Students can add a Montessori Area of Specialty, a Director’s Credential, or another degree in either Elementary Education or Early Childhood Education in this 120-credit program.
- M.A. in Education – School Counseling
Students can earn the 48-credit master’s degree in as few as 18 months of full-time studies. Besides didactic coursework, the curriculum includes three internships (i.e., 300 hours).
- M.A. in Education – Teacher Leader
This is a 36-credit program with a two-year time-to-degree, on average. Students choose from several specializations, including:
- Curriculum emphasis
- Gifted education endorsement
- ESL endorsement
- Interdisciplinary early childhood education
- Information technology
- Master of Music – Music Education
Applicants should ideally have a Rank III teaching certificate to be considered for admission. Non-certified musicians planning on pursuing doctoral degrees are also considered. There’s a choice between the capstone project and the thesis track.
- In-state Tuition: $26,100
- Online Education Degrees: 6
- Homepage
Eastern Kentucky University
EKU, a public university, offers several online academic programs in a wide range of disciplines. The education programs are approved by EPSB, offered in accelerated 8-week terms, and conducted fully online. Online students also get free textbooks, enjoy admission-to-graduation services from personal advisors, and thrive in a supportive learning environment. Military tuition discounts and other financial aid options are available.
- B.S. in Elementary Education
Students must complete 120-125 credits to earn the degree and can transfer up to 90 credits from an associate degree, among others. The didactic coursework includes courses in Educational Foundations and Emerging Instructional Technologies. Students also complete 200 hours of field experience.
- Master of Arts in Education
This is a rigorous program that prepares certified teachers for career advancement opportunities. Students must complete 30-36 credits depending on their chosen concentration, namely:
- Elementary Education
- School Leadership
- Literacy P-12
- Special Education
- Middle Grades
- School Librarian
Nine credits (at most) may be transferred for faster time-to-degree.
- Master of Arts in Teaching
Students choose from several concentrations, namely:
- Elementary Education
- Middle Grades Education
- Secondary Education
- Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (IECE)
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) and DHH with Sign Proficiency
Depending on their chosen concentration, students complete 41-52 credits to graduate.
- Specialist in Education (EdS)
Students can choose from certification options in:
- District Administration (Director of Pupil Personnel/Supervisor of Instruction)
- School Principal
- Superintendent of Schools
- In-state Tuition: $9,844
- Online Education Degrees: 4
- Homepage
University of Louisville
The College of Education and Human Development offers several online education degree programs for aspiring and current teachers. As a public research university, the University of Louisville guarantees affordability, quality, and accessibility for all students.
- B.S. in Organizational Leadership and Learning: Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education Track
Students gain the teaching competencies vital in teaching at-risk learners and working with their families. The interdisciplinary curriculum prepares students for a wide range of careers, too.
- MAT in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education
This is an alternative certification program for individuals with non-education undergraduate degrees. Students earn 30-36 credits depending on their academic plan.
- MEd in Special Education: Autism Spectrum Disorder and Applied Behavior Analysis
Graduates possess the advanced competencies to address the learning needs of children with autism. Students complete the required practicum hours for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst credential.
- M.A. in Teaching in Special Education
This is also an alternative certification program for professionals who want to become certified teachers working with students with disabilities. The available specializations are in Learning and Behavior Disorders or LBD and Moderate to Severe Disabilities or MSD.
Other online programs are:
- MEd in Special Education
- MEd in Teaching and Learning with specializations and endorsements available
- M.A. in Higher Education Administration
- In-state Tuition: $12,828
- Online Education Degrees: 7
- Homepage
University of the Cumberlands
Note that as a private Christian university, the University of the Cumberlands emphasizes Christian values in its online education degree programs. The contemporary curriculum, nonetheless, means the knowledge and skills gained here are relevant to 21st-century education.
- B.S. in Elementary Education
Students must complete at least one emphasis in the licensure program:
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Mathematics Studies
- Science
- English/Communications
- Fine Arts/Humanities
- Social and Behavioral Studies
- Special Education (SPED) – Learning and Behavior Disabilities
- BS in Middle School Education
This is also a licensure program with several emphases, namely:
- Mathematics
- Science
- English/Communications
- Social Studies
- SPED – Learning and Behavior Disabilities
- MA in Education
Advance your teaching profession with a master’s degree and choose from several concentrations, including:
- Teacher Leadership – P-12
- Teacher Leader – English
- Teacher Leader – Health and Physical Education
- Teacher Leader – Math
- Teacher Leader – Social Studies
- Teacher Leader – English as a Second Language
- Teacher Leader – School Safety
- MA in Teaching
Make a greater impact on your students by earning the M.A. in Teaching degree. Pick a concentration based on your career goals, too, such as Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education (P-5).
Check out these programs, too:
- B.S. in Health and Physical Education
- BS in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education
- EdD in Educational Leadership
- In-state Tuition: $9,875
- Online Education Degrees: 7
- Homepage
Northern Kentucky University
NKU prides itself on affordable tuition, excellent quality of instruction, and accessibility. These are evident in its online education degree programs.
- M.A. in Education – Teacher as Leader
Graduates are eligible to apply for Rank 2 teaching certification. Students choose from concentrations in:
- Reading (P-12)
- Special Education
- Learning and Behavior Disorders (LBD)
- Moderate and Severe Disabilities (MSD)
- Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
- STEM Concentration: Computer Science
- MA in Teaching – Secondary Education
This 36-credit program enables graduates to teach students in grades 8-12 on various subjects.
- M.A. in Teaching – Middle Grades
The 36-credit program welcomes both certified teachers and non-teaching professionals who want to pursue a teaching career.
- MAEd or EdS in Educational Leadership
Graduates are eligible to apply for Level I of both Supervisor of Instruction P-12 and Principal P-12.
- EdS in Teaching and Leading
If you’re interested in becoming a teacher-mentor, consider earning this degree. Students complete a capstone project and clinical experiences.
- In-state Tuition: 10,896
- Online Education Degrees: 5
- Homepage
Directory of Online Education Degree Providers in Kentucky
Asbury University
- Location: Wilmore, KY
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 4
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $33,640
- BS in Elementary Education
- MA in Education
- MA in Teaching
- Educational Specialist with Principal Licensure
Bellarmine University
- Location: Louisville, KY
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 2
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $46,780
- MA in Education
- MEd in Higher Education Leadership & Social Justice
Kentucky State University
- Location: Frankfort, KY
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 1
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $9,214
- MA in Education
Lindsey Wilson College
- Location: Columbia, KY
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 1
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $27,274
- MEd in Counseling
Midway University
- Location: Midway, KY
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 4
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $26,080
- B.A. in Education with concentrations in: (Leads to licensure)
- Elementary
- Middle School
- Secondary
- B.A. in Education Studies (Non-certification)
- Master of Education (4+1 program)
- Master of Education Teacher Leader
Morehead State University
- Location: Morehead, KY
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 11
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $9,838
- Doctor of Education
- Education Specialist in Adult and Higher Education
- Education Specialist in Instructional Leadership (P-12)
- Education Specialist in Counseling (School Counseling)
- M.A. in Adult & Higher Education
- MA in Advanced Educational Leadership
- MA in Education – Educational Technology with Instructional Computer Technology Endorsement
- MA in Teaching-Middle Grades
- MA in Teaching-Secondary Education (There is an in-person practical component.)
- Master of Music – Music Education
- MS in Career and Technical Education
Murray State University
- Location: Murray, KY
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 4
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $9,432
- MS in Career and Technical Education
- MAEd in Library Media
- MA in Postsecondary Education Administration
- MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Spalding University
- Location: Louisville, KY
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 3
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $27,300
- MA in School Counseling
- MEd Teacher Leader
- EdD in Leadership
Thomas More University
- Location: Crestview Hills, KY
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 1
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $38,400
- MA in Teaching
University of Kentucky
- Location: Lexington, KY
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 2
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $13,212
- PhD in Education Sciences with concentrations in:
- Educational Leadership
- Physical Education
- EdD in Educational Leadership
University of Pikeville
- Location: Pikeville, KY
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 1
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $24,150
- MA in Education Teacher Leader
Western Kentucky University
- Location: Bowling Green, KY
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 12
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $11,436
- MAEd in Advanced Teacher Education
- MS in Libraries, Informatics, and Technology in Education
- MS in Instructional Design
- MAT in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education, Birth to Primary (for Initial Certification)
- MAEd in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education, Birth to Primary, for Teacher Leaders
- MAEd in Gifted Education and Talent Development
- MAEd in Literacy Education
- MAEd in Middle Grades Education (for Initial Certification)
- MAT in Special Education (for Initial Certification)
- MAEd in Special Education for Moderate and Severe Disabilities
- MAEd in Special Education for Learning and Behavior Disorders
- MAT in Teacher Education (for Initial Certification)
