Whether you're finishing your degree, already working in a Kansas school, or exploring a career change, one of the first questions future teachers ask is simple: Do I need a license to teach in Kansas?

Yes. Kansas requires a valid teaching license for all public school roles and most accredited private school positions. The good news? Kansas offers more pathways to licensure than many other states, making it possible to begin teaching while finishing coursework, transitioning mid-career, or advancing from a paraprofessional role.

If you’re ready to start a career in education, here’s a clear guide to Kansas teacher licensure and how Zen Educate can help you find the right teaching role once you’re certified.

Traditional Route to a Kansas Teaching License

In Kansas, most new teachers enter the classroom through this route. In order to earn a license, you must complete the following:

1. A Bachelor’s Degree 

• You must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

2. A State-Approved Teacher Preparation Program

• Your program includes coursework, supervised field experiences, and student teaching. 

• Kansas accepts both in-state and accredited out-of-state programs.

3. Required Exams

• Kansas requires passing scores on the following exams:

• Praxis Content Knowledge exam for your subject area.

• Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exam.

• These confirm both your subject knowledge and your understanding of instructional practice.

4. Background Checks

• All candidates must complete the following:

• A Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) background check.

• An FBI fingerprint check.

5. Application Through Kansas Licensure Application System (KLAS)

• You’ll submit transcripts, exam scores, verification from your educator preparation program, and your background check through the KLAS.

• Once approved, Kansas issues an Initial Teaching License (valid for two years).

Kansas Alternative Pathways to Teacher Licensure

Kansas offers a wide variety of alternative routes designed for paraprofessionals, career changers, candidates with strong industry backgrounds, and educators moving into Kansas from other states. Below is a complete breakdown of each route, including all additional pathways outlined in the KSDE “Routes to the Classroom” chart.

1. Restricted Teaching License Pathway (Transition to Teaching Program)

This path is ideal for college graduates who didn’t major in education.

Requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree (minimum GPA typically 2.75 or higher)

• A major or closely related coursework in the subject you plan to teach

• A job offer from a Kansas school district

• Enrollment in a state-approved Transition to Teaching Program

You can begin teaching immediately under a restricted license while completing education coursework.

This route is especially helpful for mid-career professionals or paraprofessionals who want to move quickly into a certified teaching role. If you’re already a para, you may also want to read How to Become a Paraprofessional in Kansas, which explains how para experience supports licensure.

2. Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program

This is a grow-your-own teacher model for people who want to work full-time in a school while earning a bachelor’s degree and a teacher license.

Key Features:

• You work in a Kansas district as an apprentice.

• You take coursework toward an elementary education degree.

• You graduate eligible for an Initial Teaching License.

This is a great choice for paraprofessionals, substitute teachers, and school employees who want a paid pathway while earning their teaching license.

3. Paraprofessional-to-Teacher Pathways

Kansas districts and universities often partner to help paras move into licensed roles.

Most programs include:

• Completion of general education credits

• Enrollment in a teacher preparation program

• Classroom work that counts toward field experience

• A pathway to licensure in elementary education or special education

If you're currently a para, our guide Understanding the Roles: Teachers vs. Paraprofessionals can help you see what changes when transitioning into a lead teaching role.

4. STEM Teaching License

Designed for candidates with significant STEM experience.

You may qualify if you have:

• A bachelor’s degree in a STEM field

• Five or more years of related industry experience

• A district that is willing to hire you

• Enrollment in the required pedagogy coursework

This pathway lets engineers, computer scientists, mathematicians, and scientists bring their real-world experience directly into the classroom.

5. Career and Technical Education (CTE) Licenses

CTE Restricted or Full Certificate

For those with job experience and trade certifications who are taking the required teaching courses. This lets you teach career subjects like automotive tech, business, welding, health sciences, or culinary arts.

CTE Specialized Certificate

For those with significant industry experience but no bachelor’s degree. Often used by rural and technical schools that need skilled, career-focused instructors.

Both typically require:

• Proof of expertise

• Industry certifications

• A district job offer

6. Visiting Scholar License

For individuals with deep expertise or advanced study in a subject. You don’t need an education degree, but a district must request the Visiting Scholar License for you.

Examples include:

• Lawyers teaching a government course

• Visual artists teaching studio art

• Scientists teaching advanced biology

• Writers teaching creative writing

7. Visiting International Teacher License (VIT)

A path for qualified teachers from outside the United States who come to Kansas through an approved cultural exchange program.

8. Waiver or Provisional License (Plan of Study Route)

For candidates with content expertise but who need time to complete their coursework. The district submits a Plan of Study, and you may teach while finishing the required classes.

Examples:

• A candidate has a math degree, but has not completed teacher preparation

• An out-of-state teacher is missing the Kansas-required coursework

9. One-Year Nonrenewable License

Often issued when:

• A candidate completed teacher preparation but has not passed the required Praxis exams

• A district urgently needs to place a teacher while that candidate finishes testing

10. Transitional License for Returning or Retired Teachers

Kansas offers simplified options for:

• Teachers with expired Kansas licenses

• Retired Kansas teachers returning to teach

• Teachers needing a short-term license while updating credentials

This helps experienced educators re-enter classrooms quickly.

11. Out-of-State Licensure (Reciprocity)

Kansas participates in reciprocity, meaning teachers licensed elsewhere can often transfer their credentials.

You may still need to:

• Submit proof of an active license.

• Pass Kansas-required Praxis exams.

• Complete a background check (KBI & FBI).

• Provide transcripts.

If you're moving to Kansas, you may want to review The Complete Guide to Teacher License Reciprocity, which explains how different states compare and how to transfer credentials smoothly.

General Steps to Apply for Any Kansas Teaching License

No matter which pathway fits your background, most Kansas routes follow the same sequence:

1. Hold a bachelor’s degree (unless applying for certain CTE or apprenticeship pathways).

2. Secure a teaching position or be accepted into an approved program.

3. Complete required coursework.

4. Pass background checks (KBI & FBI).

5. Pass the required Praxis exam(s).

6. Apply online through the KLAS.

7. Maintain or upgrade your license.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a licensed teacher in Kansas takes planning, but there’s a path forward no matter where you’re starting. Kansas is one of the most flexible states in the country, offering multiple routes that help people with all kinds of backgrounds step into the classroom.

If you're open to exploring roles beyond Kansas or want to strengthen your job search strategy, How to Land A Teaching Job in a New State and Where to Find Teaching Jobs Online can help you compare opportunities and streamline your search.

To understand how your future earnings fit into the bigger picture, the Teacher Salary Guide breaks down trends, pay scales, and cost-of-living differences across the country.

When you’re ready to take the next step, join Zen Educate to connect with Kansas schools that match your experience and goals. We’ll help you find a role where you feel supported and where great teaching is possible every day.