How to Become an English Teacher in Kansas

Teaching English in Kansas offers the opportunity to shape young minds, foster critical thinking, and inspire a lifelong love of literature and communication. Whether you dream of leading literature discussions in a high school classroom or guiding middle schoolers through essay writing, becoming an English teacher in Kansas requires meeting specific educational, testing, and licensure requirements set by the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE).

This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of the process—from choosing the right teacher preparation program to passing required exams, completing student teaching, and obtaining your official Kansas teaching license. If you're ready to launch your career as an English Language Arts educator in Kansas, this guide will help you navigate the path with confidence.

Understanding Kansas Teacher Certification Requirements

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) oversees all educator licensure in the state. To teach English in Kansas public schools, you must obtain an Initial License, which is valid for two years and renewable. The licensure process ensures that all teachers meet rigorous academic and professional standards before entering the classroom.

Kansas requires prospective English teachers to:

• Complete an approved teacher preparation program

• Pass required content and pedagogy exams

• Complete supervised student teaching experience

• Submit to background checks and fingerprinting

• Apply for licensure through the KSDE online portal

The specific requirements vary slightly depending on whether you pursue traditional teacher preparation or alternative certification pathways.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree

The foundation of becoming an English teacher in Kansas is earning a bachelor's degree. While Kansas offers alternative pathways for career changers, the traditional route requires completing a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

Traditional Teacher Preparation Path

Most aspiring English teachers complete a bachelor's degree in English, English Education, or a related field through a Kansas Department of Education-approved teacher preparation program. These programs are offered at universities throughout Kansas and integrate coursework in English literature, composition, linguistics, and pedagogy with practical classroom experience.

Approved teacher preparation programs include a comprehensive curriculum covering:

• English literature across historical periods and diverse cultures

• Composition theory and writing instruction

• Grammar, linguistics, and language development

• Young adult literature and adolescent literacy

• Methods for teaching reading and writing

• Classroom management and instructional strategies

• Assessment and evaluation techniques

• Differentiation for diverse learners, including English Language Learners

These programs are specifically designed to prepare you for both the required Praxis exams and the realities of classroom teaching.

Content Area Requirements

Your bachelor's degree must include sufficient coursework in English and related fields. While specific credit hour requirements may vary by institution, most programs require substantial study in:

• American, British, and World literature

• Literary analysis and criticism

• Rhetoric and composition

• Grammar and linguistics

• Multicultural and diverse literature

• Adolescent literacy development

If you earned a degree in English but not through a teacher preparation program, you may need to complete additional education coursework before qualifying for licensure.

Step 2: Complete an Approved Teacher Preparation Program

Kansas requires all initial teaching license applicants to complete a teacher preparation program approved by KSDE. These programs combine academic coursework with supervised clinical experience.

Program Components

Approved teacher preparation programs for English teachers include:

Academic Coursework: Covering both English content knowledge and pedagogical methods. You'll study teaching strategies specific to English Language Arts, including how to teach writing processes, literary analysis, grammar in context, and media literacy.

Field Experience: Most programs require observation hours in K-12 classrooms before student teaching. These early field experiences help you understand classroom dynamics and develop observational skills.

Student Teaching: A full semester of supervised student teaching is the capstone of most preparation programs. You'll work under the guidance of a cooperating teacher and university supervisor, gradually assuming full teaching responsibilities.

Professional Development: Programs include training in classroom management, educational technology, assessment design, and professional ethics.

Accreditation Matters

Ensure your chosen program is approved by KSDE and accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) or a similar recognized accrediting body. Graduating from an approved program streamlines the licensure process and ensures your coursework meets Kansas standards.

Step 3: Complete Student Teaching Requirements

Student teaching is a critical component of Kansas teacher certification. This supervised clinical experience typically occurs during your final semester and provides hands-on classroom experience under the mentorship of an experienced cooperating teacher.

What to Expect During Student Teaching

Duration and Placement: Student teaching generally lasts a full semester (approximately 15-16 weeks) and takes place in a Kansas public school. Your university's teacher preparation program coordinates placements, often matching you with schools based on your location, grade-level preference, and developmental needs.

Gradual Responsibility: You'll begin by observing your cooperating teacher, then gradually assume more teaching duties. By mid-semester, most student teachers are planning and delivering full lessons independently while receiving feedback and support.

Supervision and Evaluation: Both your cooperating teacher and a university supervisor observe your teaching, provide feedback, and evaluate your performance. These evaluations assess your lesson planning, instructional delivery, classroom management, assessment practices, and professionalism.

Portfolio Development: Many programs require student teachers to compile a professional teaching portfolio documenting lesson plans, student work samples, reflections, and evidence of student learning.

Grade Level Considerations

Kansas issues separate licenses for different grade bands. For English teachers, the most common licenses are:

• Middle School (grades 5-8): Focuses on literacy development, foundational writing skills, and age-appropriate literature

• High School (grades 6-12): Emphasizes literary analysis, advanced composition, rhetoric, and college-preparatory skills

Your student teaching placement should align with the grade band you intend to teach. Some programs require placements at multiple grade levels to provide broader experience.

Step 4: Pass Required Praxis Exams

Kansas requires prospective English teachers to pass specific Praxis exams demonstrating content knowledge and pedagogical skills. The required exams vary based on the grade level you wish to teach.

Required Praxis Exams for English Teachers

For Middle School English (grades 5-8):

• Praxis Middle School English Language Arts (5047): This computer-delivered exam assesses your knowledge of reading and literature, language use and vocabulary, writing, speaking, and listening, and integration of knowledge and understanding. The test contains 80 selected-response questions and two constructed-response questions, with a testing time of 2.5 hours.

For High School English (grades 6-12):

• Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038): This exam evaluates your understanding of reading and literature, language use and vocabulary, writing, speaking, and listening, and integration of knowledge and understanding. The test includes 130 selected-response questions with a 2.5-hour time limit.

Understanding Exam Content

Both exams assess similar content areas but with different emphases appropriate to the grade levels:

Reading and Literature: Questions cover literary elements, genres, literary periods and movements, diverse and multicultural literature, reading comprehension strategies, and textual analysis.

Language Use and Vocabulary: This section tests grammar and syntax, linguistics and language development, vocabulary acquisition strategies, and conventions of standard English.

Writing: Expect questions on the writing process, rhetorical strategies, composition theory, various writing modes (narrative, expository, argumentative), research and citation practices, and writing assessment.

Speaking and Listening: Content includes oral communication skills, presentation strategies, collaborative discussion techniques, and media literacy.

Integration of Knowledge: These questions assess your ability to apply knowledge across content areas, design appropriate instruction, and select texts and activities for diverse learners.

Passing Scores

Kansas sets specific passing scores for each Praxis exam. As of 2026, the passing score for Praxis 5047 (Middle School English Language Arts) is 159, and for Praxis 5038 (English Language Arts: Content Knowledge) is 167. These scores are established by KSDE and are subject to change, so always verify current requirements on the KSDE website or through your teacher preparation program.

Exam Registration and Preparation

Register for Praxis exams through the ETS Praxis website. Tests are offered year-round at testing centers throughout Kansas and via at-home testing options. Plan to take your required exams during your final year of your teacher preparation program or before completing student teaching.

Effective preparation strategies include:

• Reviewing official Praxis study materials and test specifications

• Taking practice tests to identify content gaps

• Studying literary works across diverse periods, cultures, and genres

• Reviewing grammar rules, rhetorical devices, and composition theory

• Practicing constructed-response questions with timed writing

• Joining study groups with other English teacher candidates

For comprehensive Praxis exam preparation, including practice tests, study guides, and test-taking strategies, visit prepsaret.com.

Step 5: Alternative Certification Pathways

Kansas recognizes that career changers and individuals with bachelor's degrees in English or related fields may seek teaching certification without completing a traditional four-year teacher preparation program. The state offers alternative pathways to licensure for qualified candidates.

Restricted License for Alternative Preparation

Kansas offers a Restricted Teaching License for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree with sufficient content coursework but have not completed an approved teacher preparation program. This pathway allows you to teach while completing remaining preparation requirements.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution

• Sufficient coursework in English or English Language Arts

• Employment offer from a Kansas school district

• Passing scores on required Praxis content exams

Program Requirements:

Under the Restricted License, you must enroll in an alternative preparation program and complete:

• Mentorship under an experienced educator

• Professional development in pedagogy and classroom management

• Coursework in teaching methods and educational foundations

• Performance assessments and evaluations

The Restricted License is valid for two years and can be renewed once while you complete program requirements. Upon successful completion, you transition to an Initial License.

Transition to Teaching Programs

Several Kansas universities offer Transition to Teaching programs designed for career changers. These accelerated programs provide intensive preparation in educational methods and clinical experience, typically completed in one to two years. Participants often begin teaching under a Restricted License while completing program requirements.

Out-of-State Teachers

If you hold a valid teaching license from another state, Kansas offers reciprocity pathways. You may qualify for Kansas licensure if:

• Your out-of-state license is current and in good standing

• You meet Kansas content and testing requirements

• You complete any additional requirements specified by KSDE

Contact KSDE directly to have your credentials evaluated and determine what additional steps, if any, are needed.

Step 6: Complete Background Checks and Fingerprinting

Kansas law requires all individuals seeking teaching licenses to undergo comprehensive background checks to ensure student safety.

Background Check Process

Fingerprinting: You must complete fingerprinting through an approved vendor. The process captures your fingerprints electronically and submits them to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for criminal history checks.

Background Investigation: The background check reviews criminal history at state and federal levels. Certain criminal convictions may disqualify you from teaching or require additional review by KSDE.

Timing: Complete your background check and fingerprinting before your student teaching placement and again when applying for your teaching license. Background checks are typically valid for one year.

Cost: Fingerprinting and background check fees are separate from licensure application fees. Budget approximately $50-$75 for this process.

Disclosure Requirements

Your licensure application requires disclosure of any criminal history, including arrests, charges, and convictions. KSDE reviews disclosures on a case-by-case basis. Failing to disclose required information can result in denial of licensure or revocation of an issued license.

Step 7: Apply for Your Kansas Teaching License

Once you've completed all requirements—degree, teacher preparation program, student teaching, Praxis exams, and background checks—you're ready to apply for your Initial Teaching License through KSDE.

Application Process

Create an Account: Access the KSDE Educator Licensure online portal and create an account. This system manages all aspects of your teaching license.

Complete Application: Submit a complete Initial License application, including:

• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended

• Verification of completion from your teacher preparation program

• Official Praxis score reports

• Fingerprint and background check clearance

• Application fee (currently $75-$100)

Program Verification: Your teacher preparation program submits verification directly to KSDE confirming your successful completion of all program requirements.

Processing Time: License applications typically process within 2-4 weeks after KSDE receives all required documents. Apply well before you plan to begin teaching.

Initial License Details

The Initial License is valid for two years and is renewable. During this initial period, you must:

• Complete induction and mentoring programs required by your employing school district

• Continue professional development

• Meet any conditions specified on your license

After holding an Initial License for two years and meeting all requirements, you qualify to apply for a Professional License, which is valid for five years and renewable.

Endorsement Areas

Your teaching license specifies the grade levels and subject areas (endorsements) you're qualified to teach. For English teachers, common endorsements include:

• English Language Arts (grades 6-12)

• English (grades 5-8)

• Journalism (if additional qualifications are met)

• Speech and Drama (if additional qualifications are met)

Additional endorsements can be added to your license by completing required coursework and exams in those areas.

Additional Certification Considerations

Continuing Education and License Renewal

Kansas requires ongoing professional development to maintain your teaching license. Professional Licenses (obtained after your Initial License) must be renewed every five years by completing professional development activities approved by KSDE.

Professional development may include:

• Graduate coursework toward an advanced degree

• Workshops and conferences

• Professional learning communities

• National Board Certification (which extends license validity and may increase salary)

• Curriculum development and instructional leadership activities

Advanced Degrees

While Kansas does not require a master's degree to teach English at the initial level, many teachers pursue graduate education for several reasons:

• Salary advancement (most Kansas districts offer pay increases for advanced degrees)

• Deeper content and pedagogical knowledge

• Career advancement opportunities (department chair, instructional coach, curriculum specialist)

• National Board Certification preparation

• Specialization in areas like literacy education, English as a Second Language, or educational technology

Many Kansas universities offer master's programs in curriculum and instruction, English education, literacy, and educational leadership designed for working teachers.

National Board Certification

National Board Certification represents the highest level of teaching excellence. While not required, achieving National Board Certification as an English Language Arts teacher demonstrates advanced knowledge and teaching skill. Kansas incentivizes National Board Certification through financial awards and extended license validity.

Study and Preparation Strategies for Praxis Exams

Success on required Praxis exams is essential to obtaining your Kansas teaching license. Strategic preparation helps ensure you pass on your first attempt.

Create a Study Plan

Assess Your Strengths and Weaknesses: Begin by reviewing the official Praxis test specifications for your required exam. Identify content areas where you feel confident and areas requiring additional study.

Set a Realistic Timeline: Plan to study for 6-8 weeks before your exam date. Consistent daily or weekly study sessions are more effective than cramming.

Gather Quality Study Materials: Use official ETS Praxis preparation materials, textbooks from your teacher preparation coursework, literature anthologies covering diverse periods and genres, grammar and composition handbooks, and online practice resources from prepsaret.com.

Content-Specific Preparation

Literature and Reading:

• Review major literary periods (Medieval, Renaissance, Romantic, Victorian, Modern, Contemporary)

• Read or reread canonical and diverse texts across genres (poetry, drama, fiction, nonfiction)

• Study literary elements (theme, characterization, point of view, symbolism, tone)

• Familiarize yourself with multicultural and world literature

• Practice literary analysis and close reading techniques

Language and Grammar:

• Review parts of speech, sentence structure, and syntax

• Study grammatical conventions and mechanics

• Understand language development theories

• Review vocabulary instruction strategies

• Study linguistics concepts (morphology, phonology, semantics)

Writing and Composition:

• Review the writing process (prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, publishing)

• Study rhetorical modes (narrative, expository, persuasive, descriptive)

• Understand composition theory and pedagogy

• Practice evaluating student writing samples

• Review research and citation practices (MLA format)

Speaking, Listening, and Media Literacy:

• Study oral communication and presentation skills

• Review collaborative discussion strategies

• Understand media literacy and digital communication

• Familiarize yourself with oral language assessment

Pedagogical Content Knowledge:

• Review instructional strategies specific to English Language Arts

• Study differentiation for diverse learners

• Understand assessment design and literacy evaluation

• Review classroom management techniques for discussion-based instruction

Practice Testing

Take full-length practice tests under timed conditions to:

• Build stamina for the actual testing experience

• Identify remaining content gaps

• Develop time-management strategies

• Become familiar with question formats

After each practice test, thoroughly review incorrect answers to understand why you missed questions and reinforce learning.

Constructed-Response Preparation

For exams including constructed-response questions, practice writing clear, organized responses within time limits. Focus on:

• Directly addressing the question prompt

• Supporting claims with specific examples

• Organizing responses logically

• Writing clearly and concisely

• Managing your time (typically 30 minutes per constructed response)

Test-Day Strategies

Performing well on test day requires more than content knowledge—it demands strategic test-taking and stress management.

Before Test Day

Schedule Strategically: Choose a test date that allows adequate preparation time but doesn't leave you waiting so long that you forget material. Schedule your exam for a time of day when you're most alert.

Know the Logistics: Confirm your testing center location or at-home testing requirements, understand what identification you need, know what materials are permitted (usually none), and verify your appointment time.

Prepare Physically: Get adequate sleep for several nights before the exam, eat a nutritious meal before testing, stay hydrated, and avoid excessive caffeine that might increase anxiety.

During the Exam

Time Management: Quickly review the entire exam to understand its scope, allocate time proportionally to the number and types of questions, don't spend excessive time on any single question, and mark difficult questions to return to if time permits.

Selected-Response Strategies: Read questions carefully before reviewing answer choices, eliminate obviously incorrect answers first, watch for qualifiers like "always," "never," "best," or "most likely," trust your preparation but reconsider if a question seems too easy, and maintain a steady pace without rushing.

Constructed-Response Strategies: Read the prompt carefully and identify exactly what's being asked, create a brief outline before writing, support your response with specific examples, write clearly and organize your thoughts logically, reserve time to review and edit your responses, and don't leave questions blank—provide your best answer even if unsure.

Manage Test Anxiety: Take brief mental breaks if allowed (close your eyes, take deep breaths), use positive self-talk to maintain confidence, focus on one question at a time rather than worrying about the entire exam, and remember that you've prepared thoroughly.

After the Exam

Score Reporting: Praxis scores are typically available 10-16 business days after computer-delivered tests. Scores are reported to you and to KSDE if you designated Kansas as a score recipient.

Understanding Your Scores: Praxis exams use scaled scoring. Your raw score (number of questions answered correctly) is converted to a scaled score between 100-200. This scaled score is compared to Kansas's passing standard for that exam.

If You Don't Pass: If you don't achieve a passing score, don't be discouraged. Review your score report to identify weak content areas, adjust your study plan to focus on gaps, consider additional preparation resources or tutoring, and schedule a retake when you're ready. There's no limit on the number of times you can take a Praxis exam, though there's a 21-day waiting period between attempts.

How to Become an English Teacher in Kansas: FAQs

How long does it take to become an English teacher in Kansas?

The timeline can vary, but typically it takes about four years to complete a bachelor's degree and teacher preparation program, plus additional time for certification exams.

What exams are required to become an English teacher in Kansas?

The primary exam required is the Praxis English exam. Additional assessments may be required based on specific teaching endorsements.

Can you become an English teacher in Kansas without a teaching degree?

Yes, there are alternative pathways for certification in Kansas, including alternative teacher certification programs.

Do you need a master’s degree to teach English in Kansas?

A master’s degree is not required to teach English at the high school level, but it may enhance job prospects and salary potential.

How much do English teachers make in Kansas?

As of recent data, the average salary for English teachers in Kansas ranges from $40,000 to $60,000, depending on experience and location.

How to Become an English Teacher in Kansas: Final Thoughts

Becoming an English teacher in Kansas is a structured process—but it’s absolutely achievable with the right preparation and mindset. By understanding Kansas teaching license requirements, preparing strategically for the Praxis English exam, and staying organized throughout the KSDE licensure process, you can move forward with confidence.

If you’re exploring related guides, exam breakdowns, or study strategies, be sure to check other Praxis resources available on prepsaret.com to support your journey from test prep to classroom success.