Kansas does not have an emergency teacher-of-record certification equivalent to what other states call an Emergency Provisional Certificate. What Kansas labels as ’emergency certification’ is the Emergency Substitute License — a substitute credential that allows classroom coverage but not full teacher-of-record status. For teacher-of-record positions in hard-to-fill areas, Kansas uses the Restricted Teaching License, the Temporary Nonrenewable License, and the Exchange Teaching Certificate. The Expanded Emergency Substitute pathway (no college degree required) was made permanent by the Kansas State Board of Education in 2025.
Kansas Teacher Shortage: Key Facts
| 2,204
Spring 2025 Vacancies KSDE, June 2025 |
22,805
Licenses Issued 2024-25 KSDE, June 2025 |
$44,609
Avg. First-Year Salary KSDE, June 2025 |
167
RTAP Apprentices Fall 2025 KSDE, June 2025 |
Sources: KSDE Director of Teacher Licensure Shane Carter, Report to Kansas State Board of Education, June 12, 2025. Published in KSDE Newsroom.
Kansas schools are facing one of the most severe educator shortages in the state’s history. According to Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) Director of Teacher Licensure Shane Carter, there were 2,204 teaching vacancies statewide in spring 2025 — up from 1,954 in fall 2024 — and educators with one to four years of experience now make up the single largest segment of the state’s teacher workforce, reflecting how recently most current teachers entered the profession.
To address these shortages, Kansas has created and continuously expanded a set of emergency certification pathways that allow individuals who do not meet standard licensure requirements to work in classrooms. These pathways range from a modified emergency substitute license available to anyone with a high school diploma to a formal Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program that supports para-educators in earning full licensure while working in schools.
This Prepsaret guide provides an authoritative, up-to-date reference for every emergency teacher certification pathway available in Kansas, grounded in primary sources: the Kansas Administrative Regulations (K.A.R.), KSDE’s official licensure portal, Kansas State Board of Education meeting records, and published guidance from approved training providers.
⚠ Important: Emergency licenses are stop-gap measures, not substitutes for full teacher preparation. All emergency license holders should actively pursue full certification. The information in this guide reflects requirements in effect as of June 2025; regulations are subject to change by the Kansas State Board of Education.
Kansas’s Emergency Certification Framework
Kansas does not issue a single catch-all ’emergency teaching certificate.’ Instead, the state uses a layered system of emergency and provisional license types, each designed to address a specific gap between supply and demand. Understanding which license type applies to your situation is essential before beginning the application process.
The Five Emergency and Provisional License Types
| License / Authorization Type | Primary Purpose | Issuing Authority |
| Emergency Substitute License (60-hr track) | Sub teach w/ 60 college credits; no degree required | KSDE (K.A.R. 91-31-34) |
| Expanded Emergency Substitute License (HS diploma track) | Sub teach w/ HS diploma + Greenbush training | KSDE / State Board (2022–ongoing) |
| Temporary Nonrenewable License | Teach in full position while Praxis is pending | KSDE Initial License application |
| Transitional License for Retired Educators | Return retired teachers to classroom quickly | KSDE (2022 Board action) |
| Registered Teacher Apprenticeship (RTAP) | Earn-while-you-learn full license pathway | KSDE / DOL (launched 2023) |
Source: KSDE License Information and Application page (ksde.gov); Kansas State Board of Education meeting records 2022–2025.
Who Oversees Emergency Certification in Kansas?
All teacher licensing and emergency authorizations in Kansas are administered by the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) under the authority of the Kansas State Board of Education.
The legal framework is established in Kansas Administrative Regulations Agency 91, with the primary governing regulation for substitute and emergency staffing being K.A.R. § 91-31-34 (Governing Body Requirements).
KSDE Teacher Licensure Contact: 900 SW Jackson St., Suite 651 South, Topeka, KS 66612 | Phone: (785) 296-2288 | ksde.gov/licensure | Licensure system: KLAS (Kansas Licensure Application System)
The Priority Staffing Hierarchy (K.A.R. § 91-31-34)
Kansas Administrative Regulation § 91-31-34 establishes a legally mandated priority hierarchy that school districts must follow when filling classroom positions. Emergency license holders occupy the lower tiers of this hierarchy — they may only be used when higher-tier qualified teachers are unavailable.
Understanding this hierarchy is critical because it explains both the legal basis for emergency licenses and the day limits attached to each tier. The full text of this regulation is publicly available through Cornell Law School’s Legal Information Institute (LII).
| Priority Tier | Who May Teach | Maximum Days in Same Assignment |
| Tier 1 (Required — First Priority) | Teacher holding appropriate Kansas license/certificate with endorsement for the specific subject | No emergency limit (standard contract) |
| Tier 2 | Substitute holding valid Kansas teacher OR administrator license at any level/any field | 140 days in same assignment |
| Tier 3 | Substitute holding a valid Kansas Standard Substitute License | 90 days in same assignment |
| Tier 4 | Person holding baccalaureate degree + Emergency Substitute Teaching License | 45 days in same assignment |
| Tier 5 | Person holding Emergency Substitute Teaching License WITHOUT baccalaureate degree | 25 consecutive days; 75 days per semester |
| Tier 5B — Appeals | If insufficient supply documented, governing body may appeal to the Commissioner for an extension | Commissioner approval required |
Source: Kansas Administrative Regulations § 91-31-34(b)(1)–(6), last amended October 8, 2021. Full text: law.cornell.edu/regulations/kansas/K-A-R-91-31-34
| LEGAL NOTE: Districts Must Document the Hierarchy |
| K.A.R. § 91-31-34 requires districts to work through each tier in order. |
| A district cannot hire an emergency substitute (Tier 5) if a standard substitute (Tier 3) is available. |
| Districts wishing to extend emergency substitute assignments beyond the regulatory limit must petition the KSDE Commissioner directly. |
| Failure to follow the hierarchy or exceeding day limits can affect district accreditation status. |
Emergency Substitute Teaching License: Standard Track (60 Credit Hours)
The standard Emergency Substitute License is the baseline emergency teaching credential in Kansas. It is designed for individuals who have completed at least two years of college (60 semester credit hours) but have not completed a full teacher preparation program.
Eligibility Requirements
- Minimum of 60 semester credit hours from a regionally accredited college or university
- Note: CEUs (Continuing Education Units) and clock hours do NOT count toward the 60 semester credit hour requirement
- Accepted regional accrediting bodies include: Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Middle States Commission, NWCCU, SACSCOC, WSCUC, and NECHE
- Must pass a Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and FBI criminal background check
- Must submit an official college transcript showing credit hours completed
- No specific content area or grade-level endorsement required
License Limits and Restrictions
| Holder Profile | Max Days in Same Assignment | Max Days Per Semester (One District) |
| Emergency Sub WITH baccalaureate degree | 45 days | No specific per-semester cap in K.A.R. 91-31-34 |
| Emergency Sub WITHOUT baccalaureate degree (60-hr min) | 25 consecutive days | 75 school days per semester |
Source: K.A.R. § 91-31-34(b)(4)–(5). Note: Some older district-level guidance cited 30/15-day limits for the with/without degree distinction under a prior version of the regulation; the current LII-published text of K.A.R. 91-31-34 specifies 45 and 25 days respectively. Always verify current limits with KSDE before accepting assignments.
Application Fee and Process
- Application fee: $60 (single application, valid for multiple districts)
- Application submitted online through KLAS (Kansas Licensure Application System) at ksde.gov
- Submit official transcript directly from issuing institution to KSDE
- Complete fingerprinting for KBI/FBI background check through KSDE-approved vendor
- Processing time: typically 4–6 weeks after all materials are received
- License validity: expires June 30 of the school year in which it is issued; renewal opens each February
- Subsequent (renewed) Emergency Substitute Licenses expire June 30 after two years
License Renewal (60-Hour Track)
Emergency Substitute Licenses on the standard (60-hour) track may be renewed. Renewal applications may be submitted beginning in February of the expiration year.
No additional professional development is required for renewal on the emergency substitute track (unlike the Standard Substitute License, which requires 50 professional development points).
A new background check is only required if the license has lapsed; consecutive renewals within the valid period do not require a new fingerprint submission.
Expanded Emergency Substitute License: Modified Track (High School Diploma)
In January 2022, facing school closures caused by COVID-19-driven staff shortages, the Kansas State Board of Education approved an emergency declaration creating a Temporary Emergency Authorized License (TEAL) pathway.
This was later formalized into the Expanded Emergency Substitute License — a modified track that allows individuals with only a high school diploma to serve as substitute teachers after completing an approved online training course.
In June 2025, the Kansas State Board of Education voted to make this pathway permanent, removing the temporary designation and institutionalizing the high school diploma track as an ongoing option for emergency substitute licensure.
Eligibility Requirements
- High school diploma required (NOT a GED or general educational development certificate — GEDs explicitly do not qualify)
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Completion of the Greenbush Expanded Emergency Substitute Training Modules (10 online modules; free of charge via plus.greenbush.org.
- Certificate of completion from Greenbush must be uploaded to the KSDE application
- Verification of hire from the school district where you intend to substitute (an Expanded Emergency Substitute Qualification Form completed by the district)
- Pass a KBI/FBI criminal background check (fingerprinting required)
- Submit a $60 application fee through KLAS
The Greenbush Training Modules
The Greenbush Training Modules are free, self-paced online modules developed specifically for Kansas emergency substitute candidates. Greenbush (the Southeast Kansas Education Service Center) is a KSDE-approved provider of this training.
The modules are accessed through Greenbush’s online learning platform at plus.greenbush.org.
| Module Training Component | Details |
| Number of modules | 10 modules |
| Format | Online, self-paced; video and text-based instruction |
| Cost | Free of charge to all applicants |
| Platform | plus.greenbush.org (account creation required) |
| Completion certificate | Required — save and upload to KSDE KLAS application |
| Topics covered | Classroom management, educator ethics, legal obligations, substitute strategies, student safety |
| Application entry | In the KLAS system, select ‘Greenbush – Modified Emergency Substitute’ as the Name of College/University |
Sources: Greenbush.org Expanded Emergency Substitute Modules page; Augusta USD 402 Substitute Information; KSDE License Information and Application page.
Key Restrictions on the Expanded (HS Diploma) Track
| Critical Restrictions — Expanded Emergency Substitute License (HS Diploma Track) |
| SERVICE LIMIT: No more than 25 consecutive days in the same assignment in one school district. |
| SEMESTER CAP: No more than 75 school days per semester in a single district. |
| DISTRICT-SPECIFIC: The license is tied to the verifying district; applicants may apply for multiple districts but each district must submit a separate Expanded Emergency Substitute Qualification Form. |
| ONE FEE: Only one $60 application fee is required even if applying to serve in multiple districts. |
| NON-TRANSFERABLE: Expanded licenses are non-transferable between districts without the new district completing its own verification form. |
| EXPIRATION: License expires June 30 of the school year in which it is issued. |
Sources: KSDE Newsroom, June 12, 2025; Augusta USD 402; Morgan Hunter Education (August 2025); KSDE License Information and Application page.
2025 Board Decision: Expanded Track Made Permanent
The most significant recent development in Kansas emergency teacher certification is the Kansas State Board of Education’s June 2025 vote to make the expanded (high school diploma) emergency substitute track permanent — removing the ‘temporary’ designation that had been applied since the COVID-era TEAL in 2022.
History of the Modified Emergency Substitute Track
| Date | Action | Authority |
| January 12, 2022 | KSDE State Board approves emergency declaration; TEAL created allowing HS diploma holders to substitute | Kansas State Board of Education emergency action |
| May 10, 2023 | State Board votes to extend modified emergency substitute requirements for two additional years | Kansas State Board of Education regular meeting, Topeka |
| June 12, 2025 | State Board votes to continue modified emergency substitute track; effectively made permanent | Kansas State Board of Education regular meeting, Topeka |
Sources: KSDE Newsroom — ‘Board discusses emergency declaration’ (Jan. 11, 2022); KSDE Newsroom — ‘KSDE offers information on emergency substitute license temporary modification’ (May 18, 2023); KSDE Newsroom — ‘State Board votes to continue the modified emergency substitute teacher license’ (June 12, 2025).
Usage Data: Scale of the Modified Emergency License
KSDE data presented at the June 2025 State Board meeting showed that since January 2022, 213 school districts and five private Local Education Agencies (LEAs) had employed individuals holding the modified emergency substitute license.
This represents approximately 74% of Kansas’s 286 public school districts, illustrating how widespread the use of emergency licensing has become across the state.
The same report noted that 22,805 total teacher licenses were issued in Kansas during the 2024–25 school year, and that the state had 2,204 teaching vacancies in spring 2025 — up from 1,954 in fall 2024, a concerning trajectory that underscores why the Board voted to continue the program.
Temporary Emergency Authorized License (TEAL)
For readers researching the full history of Kansas emergency teacher certification, it is important to understand the TEAL designation that originated the current expanded substitute license framework.
On January 12, 2022, Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson stated publicly that four Kansas school districts were on the verge of closing classrooms due to COVID-19 staff shortages. The State Board responded by approving an emergency declaration establishing the Temporary Emergency Authorized License (TEAL), which temporarily eliminated the 60-credit-hour requirement for substitute teachers and replaced it with a high school diploma and basic background check.
The TEAL was originally set to expire June 1, 2022, but was extended multiple times due to the persistence of the teacher shortage beyond the pandemic period. The requirements evolved to include the Greenbush training modules as a substitute for college coursework. By June 2025, the program had been formalized into the permanent Expanded Emergency Substitute License described in Section 5.
| TEAL vs. Current Expanded Emergency Substitute License |
| TEAL (January–June 2022): High school diploma only; $50 fee; limited to COVID emergency period. |
| Extended Modified Track (2022–2025): HS diploma + Greenbush modules + district verification; $60 fee. |
| Current Expanded Track (2025–Ongoing): Same as extended track; now permanent per June 2025 Board vote. |
| Key difference: The current track requires Greenbush module completion; the original TEAL did not. |
Sources: KSDE Newsroom (January 11, 2022); KSHB News (January 13, 2022); Yahoo News/Topeka Capital-Journal (January 12, 2022).
Temporary Nonrenewable Teaching License (Praxis Waiver)
The Temporary Nonrenewable License is not an emergency substitute credential — it is a full classroom teaching license issued to individuals who have completed an approved teacher preparation program and meet all other Initial License requirements but have not yet passed the required Praxis content assessment.
This license allows a newly prepared teacher to begin working in a full classroom teaching position while completing their testing requirement.
Who Qualifies
- Must meet ALL Initial License requirements EXCEPT the Praxis content exam
- Must have completed an approved Kansas teacher preparation program (or comparable out-of-state program)
- Must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Applied through the same Initial License application in KLAS — select the Temporary Nonrenewable License option
- Valid ONLY for individuals applying for their initial teaching license
Key Conditions
| Temporary Nonrenewable License — Critical Terms |
| VALIDITY: Valid ONLY through June 30 of the school year in which it is issued. |
| NON-RENEWABLE: The license cannot be renewed. The Praxis content exam MUST be passed before expiration. |
| FULL TEACHING AUTHORITY: Holder may teach in the specific endorsement area in a full classroom position (not just substitute). |
| PATHWAY TO FULL LICENSE: Passing the Praxis during the validity period converts this to a standard Initial License. |
| FAILURE CONSEQUENCE: If Praxis not passed by June 30, the holder must reapply and may face a gap in licensure. |
| ETS FEE WAIVERS: Available on a first-come, first-served basis through ETS — contact KSDE for information. |
Sources: KSDE License Information and Application page; KU School of Education and Human Sciences Licensure page (soehs.ku.edu/current-students/licensure); K-State COE Licensing and Endorsement Assistance page (coe.k-state.edu).
Transitional License for Retired Educators
In August 2022, the Kansas State Board of Education created a streamlined Transitional License option specifically for retired educators who held a prior Kansas teaching license that has been lapsed for at least six months.
This pathway was designed to address the shortage caused in part by accelerating teacher retirements — KSDE recorded a record-high 986 teacher retirements in 2022.
Eligibility Requirements
- Previously held a valid Kansas teaching license (any type)
- License must have been lapsed for at least six months before application
- Must still meet all character and fitness requirements (background check required)
- Background check fee: approximately $50 (outsourced to third-party vendor)
- Application fees waived (standard license renewal fees eliminated for this pathway)
What the Transitional License Eliminates
- Application fees for initial license renewal
- Professional development renewal requirements that apply to standard license renewals
- Lengthy reinstatement process normally required for lapsed licenses
What Remains Required
- Background check (fingerprinting) and associated fee ($50)
- Must teach in an area covered by prior endorsements
- Subject to standard district supervision and evaluation requirements
Source: Kansas Reflector / Yahoo News — ‘Retired teachers will have an easier path back to the classroom in Kansas’ (August 2022); KSDE data on retired teacher renewals: 368 in 2020 rising to 766 in 2022.
Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program (RTAP)
The Kansas Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program (RTAP) is KSDE’s most ambitious long-term solution to the teacher shortage.
Launched in July 2023 as a pilot with 15 apprentices across eight school districts, RTAP has grown substantially: as of June 2025, KSDE reported 167 new apprentices from 73 districts enrolled for fall 2025, up from 81 apprentices from 52 districts in spring 2025.
What RTAP Offers
RTAP is a federally registered, paid earn-while-you-learn pathway that allows paraprofessionals, district staff, and community members to earn a full Kansas teaching license while working full-time in a Kansas school.
The program is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship and funded through state appropriations and the MeadowLARK Initiative (a federal grant through the Kansas Office of Apprenticeship).
Key Program Features
| Feature | Detail |
| Employment status | Apprentices are full-time, paid W-2 employees of the sponsoring school district |
| On-the-job learning (OJL) | Competency-based learning in a real classroom, supervised by a mentor teacher |
| Academic instruction | Online degree program at a partner community college or university; must be compatible with full-time work schedule |
| Credential upon completion | Bachelor’s degree in education + Kansas Initial Teaching License (full teacher certification) |
| Compensation | Salary increases as apprentices advance through the program; district sets the wage schedule |
| Transfer credit | Credits earned at two-year community colleges must transfer to the four-year degree program |
| KSDE role | Coordinates the program, issues the teaching license upon successful program completion |
| District role | Recruit apprentices, pay salary, provide OJL, track and report progress to KSDE |
| Funding | State appropriations + MeadowLARK Initiative (federal grant) |
| Scale (Fall 2025) | 167 new apprentices from 73 participating districts statewide |
Sources: KSDE Newsroom — ‘State Board votes to continue the modified emergency substitute teacher license’ (June 12, 2025); KSDE Newsroom — ‘RTAP aims to break down barriers to place more teachers in the classroom’ (May 9, 2024); KASB — ‘Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Applications Due June’ (March 2024); FHSU Registered Apprenticeship Program page; KSHB News (October 2023); EdTrust 50-State RTAP Scan (January 2025).
How RTAP Differs from Emergency Licensing
RTAP is not an emergency license — apprentices work in a non-substitute, supervised role while completing their degree, and they emerge from the program as fully licensed teachers. Unlike emergency licenses, RTAP produces durable human capital for the Kansas education system.
It is the most complete answer to the teacher shortage but also the most time-intensive, requiring the full duration of a bachelor’s degree program.
Step-by-Step Application Process
The application process for any Kansas emergency teaching license runs through the KLAS (Kansas Licensure Application System), KSDE’s official online portal. Below is a consolidated guide for the two most commonly used emergency pathways.
Emergency Substitute License: Standard Track (60 Credit Hours)
- Step 1: Gather Documents. Obtain an official college transcript (sent directly from your institution to KSDE; student copies not accepted). Ensure it reflects at least 60 semester credit hours from a regionally accredited institution.
- Step 2: Complete Fingerprinting. Schedule a fingerprinting appointment through KSDE’s approved vendor for the KBI/FBI background check. Recommended to do this 3–4 weeks before applying, as processing takes approximately 3–4 weeks. Instructions are on the KSDE licensure page under ‘Fingerprint Information.’
- Step 3: Log In to KLAS. Access the Kansas Licensure Application System at ksde.gov. Create an account or log in with existing credentials.
- Step 4: Submit Application. Complete the Emergency Substitute License application. Upload or arrange for delivery of your official transcript.
- Step 5: Pay Application Fee. $60 application fee paid through KLAS. One fee covers multiple districts.
- Step 6: Await KSDE Review. Processing time is typically 4–6 weeks after all materials have been received by KSDE.
- Step 7: Receive License. License issued electronically. Valid through June 30 of the current school year.
- Step 8: Contact Districts. You may contact school districts and apply for substitute positions while your application is processing — most districts conduct interviews and orientation before the official license arrives.
Expanded Emergency Substitute License: Modified Track (HS Diploma)
- Step 1: Contact a School District First. Before applying, confirm with one or more Kansas school districts that they want you to proceed. The district must complete an Expanded Emergency Substitute Qualification Form and submit it to KSDE as part of your application.
- Step 2: Complete Greenbush Modules. Go to plus.greenbush.org. Create a free account and complete all 10 Expanded Emergency Substitute Training Modules. Save your certificate of completion upon finishing the final quiz.
- Step 3: Complete Fingerprinting. Same process as the standard track (Step 2 above). Do not skip this step — a background check is required for all applicants regardless of the education track.
- Step 4: Open KLAS Application. Log in to KLAS. Start an Emergency Substitute License application. In the ‘Name of College/University’ field, select ‘Greenbush – Modified Emergency Substitute.’
- Step 5: Upload Greenbush Certificate. Attach your Greenbush completion certificate to the application.
- Step 6: Submit District Verification Form. Ensure your sponsoring district(s) have submitted their Expanded Emergency Substitute Qualification Form(s) to KSDE. Each additional district requires its own form; only one application fee is required.
- Step 7: Pay $60 Fee. Complete payment through KLAS.
- Step 8: Await Processing. Once all materials are received, KSDE processes the application. Per Morgan Hunter Education’s 2025 guidance, expect ‘a few weeks’ for state processing after district sign-off. License valid through June 30 of the school year.
Background Check and Fingerprinting Requirements
A criminal background check is required for every Kansas teaching license applicant — no exceptions, regardless of which track or pathway is used. This requirement applies to first-time applicants and to applicants whose license has previously lapsed.
What the Background Check Covers
- Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) criminal history check — statewide
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) criminal history check — national
- Sex Offender Registry check
- Child and Dependent Adult Abuse Registry check (for roles involving minors)
Fingerprinting Process
- Fingerprinting vendor: IdentoGO by IDEMIA (KSDE-approved vendor)
- Schedule online at identogo.com using KSDE’s state service code
- Bring government-issued photo ID to your appointment
- Fee: approximately $50 (charged by the vendor, separate from KSDE application fee)
- Results transmitted electronically to KSDE — applicant does not receive a copy
- Processing time: approximately 2–4 weeks for combined KBI/FBI results
- Recommendation: Schedule fingerprinting 3–4 weeks before submitting your KLAS application
Applicants with Criminal History
Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify an applicant from emergency licensure. KSDE reviews each case individually. However, certain convictions — particularly those involving harm to children, sexual offenses, or fraud related to education — typically result in denial.
Applicants with any criminal history are strongly encouraged to review the detailed guidance published on the KSDE licensure page and, if needed, contact KSDE’s licensure office before investing in training modules or paying application fees.
⚠ Do not conceal criminal history on your application. Undisclosed criminal history discovered through the background check is grounds for permanent denial and may affect future applications.
Days-of-Service Limits and Assignment Restrictions
Day limits are one of the most practically important aspects of emergency teacher certification in Kansas. Exceeding these limits violates K.A.R. § 91-31-34 and can affect district accreditation. The following table consolidates all applicable limits from the current regulation and KSDE guidance.
| License Type | Holder Profile | Max Consecutive Days (Same Assignment) | Max Days Per Semester (Same District) |
| Valid KS Teaching or Admin License | Licensed teacher/admin | 140 days in same assignment | No specific per-semester cap |
| Standard Substitute License | Completed teacher prep program | 90 days in same assignment | No specific per-semester cap |
| Emergency Sub License + BA degree | Has baccalaureate degree | 45 days in same assignment | No specific per-semester cap (K.A.R.) |
| Emergency Sub License, no BA degree | 60+ credit hours, no degree | 25 consecutive days | 75 school days per semester |
| Expanded Emergency Sub (HS diploma) | HS diploma + Greenbush modules | 25 consecutive days | 75 school days per semester |
| Commissioner appeal granted | Documented supply shortage | Extended at Commissioner’s discretion | Commissioner approval required |
Sources: K.A.R. § 91-31-34(b)(2)–(5B); KSDE Newsroom (June 12, 2025); KSDE License Information and Application page.
| Day Limits — Practical Guidance for Substitute Teachers |
| The 25-day consecutive limit means you cannot stay in the SAME classroom with the SAME class for more than 25 school days in a row. |
| You may work in different classrooms/assignments within the same district and reset the consecutive-day count. |
| The 75-day semester cap means total days worked within one district in a semester cannot exceed 75, regardless of how many different assignments you take. |
| Working in different school districts counts separately — the semester cap applies per district. |
| If a district needs you for more than 25 consecutive days, the district superintendent must petition the KSDE Commissioner for an extension (K.A.R. § 91-31-34(b)(5B)). |
License Renewal Procedures
Each Kansas emergency license type has its own renewal process and timeline. The following table summarizes the key renewal terms for each license covered in this guide.
| License Type | Renewal Eligibility | Required for Renewal | Opens for Renewal |
| Emergency Sub License (60-hr track) | Renewable | No additional PD required; no new background check if consecutive | February of expiration year |
| Expanded Emergency Sub (HS diploma) | Renewable (permanent pathway) | Greenbush completion may be re-verified; district re-verification form required | February of expiration year |
| Standard Substitute License | Renewable every 5 years | 50 professional development points from local PD Council | February of 5th expiration year |
| Temporary Nonrenewable License | NOT renewable | Must pass Praxis content exam before June 30 to convert to Initial License | N/A — pass Praxis instead |
| Transitional License (Retired Educator) | Renewable per standard terms | Standard professional license renewal requirements apply | February of expiration year |
| Initial Teaching License | Renewable to Professional License | 2 years satisfactory teaching + mentoring program completion | After 2 years of teaching |
Sources: KSDE License Information and Application page; K-State COE Licensing and Endorsement Assistance; KU SOEHS Licensure page; KSDE Waivers, Substitutes License Types document.
Pathway from Emergency to Full Licensure
Emergency licenses are explicitly designed as temporary measures. KSDE and Kansas policymakers consistently emphasize that emergency license holders should view their status as a starting point and pursue full teacher licensure.
The following pathways illustrate how emergency license holders can transition to a full Initial Teaching License.
Pathway for Emergency Substitute with 60 Credit Hours
- Complete remaining bachelor’s degree credits. 60 credit hours is halfway to a typical 120-credit bachelor’s degree. Completing the degree opens the door to teacher preparation programs.
- Enroll in a Kansas-approved teacher preparation program. Programs are available at all Kansas state universities and many private institutions. Online programs are available for working adults.
- Complete student teaching or clinical practice. Required by KSDE for Initial License; typically one full semester minimum.
- Pass required Praxis assessments. Praxis Core (basic skills) and Praxis Subject Assessment (content area) are required for most endorsements.
- Apply for Initial Teaching License through KLAS. Upon program completion, your institution will verify completion; you apply through KSDE for your Initial License.
- Consider RTAP. If you want to earn while you complete your degree, apply for the Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program (see Section 10).
Pathway for Expanded Emergency Substitute (HS Diploma Track)
- Enroll in community college. Start earning the 60 college credit hours needed for the standard Emergency Sub License, which expands your assignment flexibility.
- Pursue RTAP if eligible. Individuals employed by a Kansas school district may be eligible for the Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program, which pays them while completing their degree.
- Complete a teacher preparation program. Whether through a traditional university or an alternative route program, complete the coursework and clinical experience required for a Kansas Initial Teaching License.
- Pass Praxis assessments and apply for Initial License. Same final steps as above.
Accelerated Option: Temporary Nonrenewable License
Individuals who complete a teacher preparation program and meet all Initial License requirements except the Praxis content exam can start teaching in a full classroom position immediately using the Temporary Nonrenewable License.
This bridges the gap between program completion and test passage without requiring the person to continue in a substitute capacity.
Subject Areas with Critical Shortages
Emergency authorization requests and the use of non-fully-licensed teachers are concentrated in specific subject areas. Knowing which areas face the most acute shortages helps emergency license holders target their job search and understand where they are most likely to be hired.
| Subject / Endorsement Area | Shortage Classification | Notes for Emergency License Holders |
| Special Education (all disability categories) | Critical — Statewide | Highest vacancy counts; emergency sub use frequent; RTAP heavily targets this area |
| Secondary Mathematics (6-12 / 8-12) | Critical — Statewide | High demand for Temporary Nonrenewable and emergency subs in math classes |
| Physics / Chemistry (Secondary Science) | Critical — Statewide | Physics shortage most severe; emergency sub often used for long-term assignments |
| English as a Second Language (K-12) | Critical — Growing | ELL population growth driving demand; requires specific coursework for full endorsement |
| Career and Technical Education | Critical — Statewide | Industry professionals with no teaching degree frequently use CTE alternative routes |
| School Psychologist | Critical — Statewide | Specialist license pathway; separate from classroom teaching emergency routes |
| Speech-Language Pathology | Critical — Statewide | Requires professional occupational license; emergency sub rarely applicable |
| Elementary Education (K-6) | Moderate–Significant | Large vacancy numbers; most emergency subs serve at elementary level |
| Secondary Computer Science | Emerging Shortage | Districts increasingly seeking content-knowledgeable instructors |
Sources: KSDE Teacher Vacancy Reports 2022–2025; KSDE Director of Teacher Licensure report to State Board of Education (October 2024, June 2025); U.S. Department of Education Teacher Shortage Area designations for Kansas.
Kansas Emergency Teaching License: FAQs
Can I get an emergency teaching certificate in Kansas without a college degree?
Yes, through the Expanded Emergency Substitute License. Since 2022, Kansas allows individuals with a high school diploma (not a GED) to serve as substitute teachers by completing the free Greenbush online training modules, passing a background check, obtaining district verification, and paying a $60 application fee.
The Kansas State Board of Education made this pathway permanent in June 2025. However, this is a substitute license — it does not authorize you to serve as a full-time classroom teacher.
What is the difference between an emergency substitute license and a standard substitute license?
A Standard Substitute License requires completion of an approved teacher preparation program with a bachelor’s degree — the same degree a full-time teacher would hold. It allows up to 90 days in the same assignment.
An Emergency Substitute License requires either 60 college credit hours (standard track) or a high school diploma plus Greenbush training (modified track), with no teacher preparation program needed.
Emergency subs have stricter day limits: 45 days per assignment (with a bachelor’s degree) or 25 consecutive days and 75 days per semester (without a bachelor’s degree).
How long does it take to get an emergency substitute license in Kansas?
The full timeline is approximately 5–8 weeks from starting the process to receiving your license. Fingerprinting takes 2–4 weeks; KSDE application processing takes 4–6 weeks after all materials are received.
You can start these processes simultaneously to minimize wait time, and most school districts will schedule interviews and orientation before your official license arrives.
Can I teach in the same classroom all year on an emergency substitute license?
No. Emergency substitute licenses carry strict assignment limits established in K.A.R. § 91-31-34. If you do not hold a bachelor’s degree, you are limited to 25 consecutive days in the same assignment and 75 total school days per semester in one district.
If you hold a bachelor’s degree with an emergency sub license, you are limited to 45 days in the same assignment. If a district needs you beyond these limits, the superintendent must petition the KSDE Commissioner for an extension.
Is a GED acceptable for the expanded emergency substitute license?
No. The expanded emergency substitute track explicitly requires a high school diploma. Individuals who hold only a GED (General Educational Development certificate) are not eligible for this pathway.
They would need to complete at least 60 semester credit hours at a regionally accredited institution to qualify for the standard Emergency Substitute License track.
What happens after my temporary nonrenewable license expires?
If you pass your required Praxis content exam before your Temporary Nonrenewable License expires on June 30, KSDE will convert your license to a standard Initial Teaching License.
If you do not pass the Praxis by June 30, your teaching authorization lapses and you must reapply. There is no renewal option for the Temporary Nonrenewable License — passing the Praxis is the only path to continuation.
Do I need a separate license for each school district I want to substitute in?
For the standard Emergency Substitute License (60-hour track), you may generally work across districts; the license is not district-restricted in the same way. For the Expanded Emergency Substitute License (HS diploma track), the license is tied to specific verifying districts.
You can request multiple districts, but each district must submit its own Expanded Emergency Substitute Qualification Form. Only one $60 application fee is required even if you list multiple districts.
What is the Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program and who is eligible?
RTAP is a paid, earn-while-you-learn program that lets paraprofessionals, district staff, and community members work full-time in a Kansas school while completing a bachelor’s degree in education and earning a full teaching license.
You are employed by the school district as a paid W-2 employee throughout the program. As of fall 2025, 167 apprentices from 73 districts are enrolled.
To apply, contact KSDE or a participating school district directly. FHSU, along with other Kansas universities, offers the academic program component online.
I’m a retired teacher. Do I need to go through the emergency licensing process to return to the classroom?
No. Retired educators who previously held a Kansas teaching license qualify for the Transitional License pathway, which is faster and less burdensome than emergency licensing. It eliminates application fees and professional development requirements.
A background check fee (approximately $50) is still required. Contact KSDE to initiate the Transitional License application.
Where do I apply for a Kansas emergency substitute license?
All Kansas teacher license applications are submitted through the Kansas Licensure Application System (KLAS) at ksde.gov.
Navigate to Licensure > Teacher Licensure > License Information and Application. For the expanded emergency track, you will also need to complete the Greenbush modules at plus.greenbush.org before applying.
Official Sources and Further Reading
Primary Government and Regulatory Sources
- Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) — Licensure: ksde.gov/licensure/teacher-licensure/license-information-and-application
- Kansas Administrative Regulations § 91-31-34 (Governing Body Requirements): law.cornell.edu/regulations/kansas/K-A-R-91-31-34
- Kansas Administrative Regulations § 91-1-200 (Definitions): regulations.justia.com/states/kansas/agency-91/article-1/section-91-1-200/
- Kansas Secretary of State — KAR Volume 42, Issue 09 (March 2, 2023): sos.ks.gov/publications/Register/Volume-42/Issues/Issue-09/03-02-23-50929.html
- KSDE Teacher Licensure Portal (KLAS): ksde.gov — select Licensure, then access KLAS
KSDE Newsroom Articles Cited
- State Board votes to continue the modified emergency substitute teacher license (June 12, 2025): ksde.gov/Newsroom/ArtMID/3386/ArticleID/4356
- RTAP aims to break down barriers to place more teachers in the classroom (May 9, 2024): ksde.gov/Newsroom/ArtMID/3386/ArticleID/3311
- KSDE announces Kansas Registered Teacher Apprenticeship program (July 25, 2023): ksde.gov
Training and Program Providers
- Greenbush Expanded Emergency Substitute Modules: greenbush.org/educator-professional-development/tools-resources/expanded-emergency-substitute-modules/ — Training at plus.greenbush.org
- Fort Hays State University RTAP: fhsu.edu/teachereducation/academic-programs/apprenticeship-program
- Kansas State University COE Licensing and Endorsement Assistance: coe.k-state.edu/student-success/licensing-endorsement-assistance/
- University of Kansas SOEHS Licensure: soehs.ku.edu/current-students/licensure
Additional Reference Sources
- Educational Testing Service (ETS) — Praxis Assessments: ets.org/praxis (required for standard Initial License; waived only for Temporary Nonrenewable License)
- IdentoGO by IDEMIA — Fingerprinting (KSDE-approved vendor): identogo.com
- Kansas Open Gov — District Payroll: kansasopengov.org/databank/district-payroll
- EdTrust 50-State RTAP Scan (January 10, 2025): edtrust.org/rti/registered-teacher-apprenticeship-programs/
Kansas Emergency Teaching License: Conclusion
Kansas emergency teacher certification is not a single pathway but a layered system of license types, each calibrated to a different level of educational preparation and a different depth of classroom authority.
At the most accessible end, the Expanded Emergency Substitute License (HS diploma + Greenbush modules) now provides a permanent, low-barrier entry point into Kansas classrooms — a reflection of just how serious the state’s teacher shortage has become.
At the more structured end, the Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program represents a long-term investment in building a sustainable teacher pipeline from the ground up.
For anyone navigating this system, three principles apply universally: First, verify your eligibility and check for updates directly with KSDE before investing time and money — regulations evolve. Second, treat emergency certification as a bridge, not a destination — the state desperately needs fully licensed teachers, and the pathways to full licensure are accessible and increasingly flexible.
Third, if you have prior teaching experience from another state, check the reciprocity pathway before pursuing emergency certification — you may qualify for a full Initial or Professional License more quickly than you expect.
Kansas schools need dedicated educators at every level, and the state has worked deliberately to lower the barriers to entry for those willing to step into classrooms. Whether you begin as an emergency substitute or enter directly through RTAP, the Sunflower State’s students are waiting.
Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) | ksde.gov | (785) 296-2288 | 900 SW Jackson St., Topeka, KS 66612 | Last verified