Issue 09 - 03-02-2023 | Kansas Department of Education | Permanent Administrative Regulations

Volume 42 - Issue 9 - March 2, 2023

State of Kansas

Department of Education

Permanent Administrative Regulations

(Editor's Note: The incorrect submitting authority was inadvertently listed at the end of these regulations when the Kansas Register was published on March 2, 2023. The submitting authority was updated on March 20, 2023 to list the correct authority, Commissioner of Education Randy Watson.)

Article 1.—CERTIFICATE REGULATIONS

91-1-200. Definition of terms. Each of the following terms, as used in this article of the department’s regulations, shall have the meaning specified in this regulation:

(a) “Accomplished teaching license” means a license issued to an individual who has successfully completed an advanced performance assessment designated by the state board for the purpose of identifying accomplished teaching or who has achieved national board certification.

(b) “Accredited experience” means teaching experience gained, under contract, in a school accredited by the state board or a comparable agency in another state while the teacher holds an endorsement valid for the specific assignment. At least 90 consecutive days of substitute teaching in the endorsement area of academic preparation and in the same teaching position shall constitute accredited experience. Other substitute teaching experiences shall not constitute accredited experience.

(c) “Alternative teacher education program” means a program to prepare persons to teach by a means other than the traditional, college-based, approved program.

(d) “Approved mentoring program” means a program based on state board-approved program guidelines that is established and maintained by an LEA for the purpose of providing educators employed under initial licenses with professional support and continuous assistance from a mentor.

(e) “Approved program” means a teacher education program approved by the state board for content and pedagogy.

(f) “Content area” means a defined domain of knowledge and skill in an academic program.

(g) “Content assessment” means an assessment designated by the state board to measure subject matter knowledge for an endorsement.

(h) “Deficiency plan” means a detailed schedule of instruction from an approved program that, if completed, will qualify an individual for full endorsement in a subject. The individual who is to receive the instruction and a representative of the institution at which the instruction is to be given shall sign each deficiency plan.

(i) “Early adolescence through late adolescence and adulthood” means grades six through 12.

(j) “Early childhood” means any level from birth through grade three.

(k) “Early childhood through late adolescence and adulthood” means any level from prekindergarten through grade 12.

(l) “Early childhood through late childhood” means any level from prekindergarten through grade six.

(m) “Early childhood unified” means an endorsement that provides access to teach in a general education classroom or to provide special education instruction and support services for any level from birth through grade three.

(n) “Elementary education unified” means an endorsement that provides access to teach in a general education classroom or to provide special education instruction and support services for early childhood through late childhood.

(o) “Emergency substitute teaching license” means a license issued to an individual that allows access to practice as a substitute teacher as defined by K.A.R. 91-31-34(b).

(p) “Endorsement” means the legend printed on each license that identifies the subject in which an individual has specialization.

(q) “Evidence-centered assessment” means an assessment designated by the state board to measure an individual’s knowledge of subject matter and ability to implement the knowledge and skills of a teacher leader.

(r) “Initial,” when used to describe a license, means the first tier of license provided to an individual who meets all requirements to begin practice and may be issued for school leadership, school specialist, or teaching.

(s) “Initial school leadership license” means the first license that an individual holds to begin practice as a school leader while preparing for the professional school leadership license.

(t) “Initial school specialist license” means the first license that an individual holds to begin practice as a school specialist while preparing for the professional school specialist license.

(u) “Initial teaching license” means the first license that an individual holds to begin teaching while preparing for the professional teaching license.

(v) “Interim alternative license” means a license that allows temporary access to practice to an individual who has completed an alternative teacher education program and been issued a license in another state.

(w) “Late childhood through early adolescence” means grades five through eight.

(x) “Licensure” means the granting of access to practice teaching, administration, or school services in Kansas public schools.

(y) “Limited-use teaching license” means a license that allows an individual limited access to practice in an LEA under an arrangement by which the LEA is developing the teacher through a specified approved plan of study.

(z) “Local education agency” and “LEA” mean any governmental agency authorized or required by state law to provide education to children, including each unified school district, special education cooperative, school district interlocal, state school, and school institution.

(aa) “Mentor” means a teacher, a school specialist, or an administrator who holds a professional teaching license, school specialist license, or leadership license assigned by an LEA to provide support, modeling, and conferencing to a beginning professional.

(bb) “Middle-level generalist,” when used to describe an endorsement, means an endorsement that allows access to teach mathematics, English language arts, history, government and social studies, and science for late childhood through early adolescence.

(cc) “Official transcript” means a student record that includes grades and credit hours earned and that is affixed with the official seal of the college and the signature of the registrar.

(dd) “One year of teaching experience” means accredited experience that constitutes one-half time or more in one school year, while under contract.

(ee) “Pedagogical assessment” means an assessment designated by the state board to measure teaching knowledge.

(ff) “Performance assessment” means an assessment designated by the state board to measure an individual’s ability to implement the knowledge and skills of a teacher, administrator, or school services provider.

(gg) “Prekindergarten” means a program for children three and four years old.

(hh) “Professional,” when used to describe a license, means achievement of the second tier of licensure based upon successful completion of a performance assessment while practicing under an initial license and may be awarded for school leadership, school specialist, or teaching.

(ii) “Professional occupational license” means the license required to practice in Kansas for the profession of speech language pathologist, audiologist, or licensed master social worker.

(jj) “Professional school leadership license” means a school leadership license issued to an individual based on successful completion of a performance assessment and maintained by professional development.

(kk) “Professional school specialist license” means a school specialist license issued to an individual based on successful completion of a performance assessment and maintained by professional development.

(ll) “Professional teaching license” means a teaching license issued to an individual based on successful completion of a performance assessment and maintained by professional development.

(mm) “Provisional school specialist endorsement license” means a license issued to an individual that allows access to practice as a school specialist while the individual is in the process of completing requirements for the school specialist license.

(nn) “Provisional teaching endorsement license” means a license issued to an individual that allows access to practice in an endorsement area while the individual is in the process of completing requirements for that endorsement.

(oo) “Recent credit” means valid credit earned during the six-year period immediately preceding the filing of an application.

(pp) “Recent experience” means accredited experience earned during the six-year period immediately preceding the filing of an application.

(qq) “Restricted school specialist license” means a license that allows an individual limited access to practice as a library media specialist or a school counselor under a special arrangement among the individual, a Kansas teacher education institution, and an LEA.

(rr) “Restricted teaching license” means a license that allows an individual limited access to practice under a special arrangement among the individual, a Kansas teacher education institution, and an LEA.

(ss) “School leadership license” means a license that allows an individual to hold a position with the primary responsibility for supervision or management of a local education agency, a school system, a school building, or school programs.

(tt) “School specialist” means a person other than a teacher or school leader who is required to hold an educator license to provide specialized professional support services to students or teachers.

(uu) “School specialist program” means an approved program provided by teacher education institutions to prepare individuals for licensure as a school specialist.

(vv) “Secondary education unified” means an endorsement that provides access to teach academic subjects for which the content assessment has been passed and to provide special education support services for early adolescence through late adolescence and adulthood.

(ww) “Standard,” when used to describe a license, means that the license is unrestricted, nonprobationary, nonprovisional, nonsubstitute, nonlimited-use, or nontemporary; is issued by the state board or a comparable agency in another state; and allows an individual to work as a teacher, administrator, or school specialist in accredited school systems in Kansas or another state.

(xx) “Standards board” means the teaching and school administration professional standards advisory board.

(yy) “State board” means Kansas state board of education.

(zz) “STEM license” means a license that allows an individual to teach only life science, physical science, earth and space science, mathematics, engineering, computer technology, finance, or accounting subjects in a hiring LEA, as specified in K.A.R. 91-1-203(m).

(aaa) “Subject” means a specific teaching area within a general instructional field.

(bbb) “Substitute teaching license” means a license issued to an individual that allows access to practice as a substitute as defined in K.A.R. 91-31-34(b).

(ccc) “Teacher education institution” means a college or university that has an accredited administrative unit for the purpose of preparing teachers.

(ddd) “Transitional license” means a license that allows an individual to temporarily practice if the individual held a license but does not meet recent credit, recent experience, or the renewal requirements to qualify for an initial teaching license or a professional teaching license, an initial school specialist license or a professional school specialist license, or an initial school leadership license or a professional school leadership license.

(eee) “Valid credit” and “credit” mean a semester hour of credit earned in, or validated by, a college or university that is on the accredited list maintained by the state board.

(fff) “Visiting international teaching license” means a license issued to an individual participating in the visiting international teacher program, allowing the individual to be employed by a local education agency and be assigned to teach that individual’s native language or the content area of that individual’s teacher preparation.

(ggg) “Visiting scholar teaching license” means a license that allows an individual who has documentation verifying the individual’s qualifications for the license as described on the application to practice on a temporary, limited basis. (Authorized by and implementing Article 6, Section 2(a) of the Kansas Constitution; effective July 1, 2003; amended July 1, 2003; amended July 18, 2008; amended Aug. 28, 2009; amended Aug. 12, 2011; amended, T-91-6-30-14, June 30, 2014; amended Oct. 24, 2014; amended March 17, 2023.)

91-1-201. Type of licensure. (a) The following types of licenses shall be issued by the state board:

(1) Accomplished teaching license;

(2) initial licenses, including the following:

(A) Initial school leadership license;

(B) initial school specialist license; and

(3) emergency substitute teaching license;

(4) interim alternative license;

(5) limited-use teaching license;

(6) professional licenses, including the following:

(A) Professional school leadership license;

(B) professional school specialist license; and

(7) provisional school specialist endorsement license;

(8) provisional teaching endorsement license;

(9) restricted school specialist license;

(10) restricted teaching license;

(11) STEM license;

(12) substitute teaching license;

(13) transitional license;

(14) visiting international teacher license; and

(15) visiting scholar teaching license.

(b)(1) Each initial license shall be valid for two years from the date of issuance.

(2) An initial teaching license may be issued for one or more of the following levels:

(A) Early childhood;

(B) early childhood through late childhood;

(D) early adolescence through late adolescence and adulthood; or

(E) early childhood through late adolescence and adulthood.

(3) Each initial school leadership license shall be issued for all levels.

(4) Each initial school specialist license shall be issued for the level that corresponds with the approved program completed by the applicant.

(c)(1) Each professional license shall be valid on the date of issuance. Each license shall expire on the license holder’s fifth birthdate following issuance of the license.

(2) A professional teaching license may be issued for one or more of the following levels:

(A) Early childhood;

(B) early childhood through late childhood;

(D) early adolescence through late adolescence and adulthood; or

(E) early childhood through late adolescence and adulthood.

(3) Each professional school leadership license shall be issued for all levels.

(4) Each professional school specialist license shall be issued for the level that corresponds with the approved program completed by the applicant.

(d)(1) Each accomplished teaching license shall be valid for 10 years from the date of issuance.

(2) An accomplished teaching license may be issued for one or more of the following levels:

(A) Early childhood;

(B) early childhood through late childhood;

(D) early adolescence through late adolescence and adulthood; or

(E) early childhood through late adolescence and adulthood.

(e) Each substitute teaching license shall be valid on the date of issuance and shall be issued for all levels. Each substitute license shall expire on the license holder’s fifth birthdate following issuance of the license.

(f) The first emergency substitute teaching license issued to an individual shall be valid for the school year in which it is issued and shall be issued for all levels. Each subsequent renewal of an emergency substitute license shall be valid for two consecutive school years.

(g) Each visiting scholar teaching license shall be valid through June 30 of the school year for which it is issued and shall be issued for the level corresponding with the teaching assignment.

(h) Each visiting international teacher license shall be valid through June 30 of the school year for which it is issued and shall be valid for the level corresponding with the teaching assignment.

(i)(1) Each restricted teaching license shall be valid for the school year in which the license is issued. Any restricted teaching license may be reissued for two additional consecutive school years if progress reports are submitted as required in K.A.R. 91-1-203(h)(2).

(2) A restricted teaching license may be issued for one or more of the following levels:

(A) Late childhood through early adolescence;

(B) early adolescence through late adolescence and adulthood; or

(j)(1) Each restricted school specialist license shall be valid for three consecutive school years from the date of issuance.

(2) Each restricted school specialist license shall be issued for all levels.

(k)(1) Each transitional license shall be valid for the school year in which the license is issued.

(2) Each transitional license shall be nonrenewable.

(3) A transitional license may be issued for one or more of the following levels:

(A) Early childhood;

(B) early childhood through late childhood;

(D) early adolescence through late adolescence and adulthood; or

(E) early childhood through late adolescence and adulthood.

(l)(1) Each interim alternative license shall be valid for one year from the date of issuance.

(2) The initial one-year term shall be automatically extended for one additional one-year term if the licensee demonstrates progress toward achieving an initial or professional license. Each interim alternative license shall be nonrenewable after two years.

(3) An interim alternative license may be issued for one or more of the following levels:

(A) Early childhood;

(B) early childhood through late childhood;

(D) early adolescence through late adolescence and adulthood; or

(E) early childhood through late adolescence and adulthood.

(m)(1) Each limited-use teaching license shall be valid only for the school year in which the license is issued. Any limited-use teaching license may be reissued for additional consecutive school years at the request of the employing LEA.

(2) A limited-use teaching license may be used to teach in grades 6 through 12 but shall not be used to provide special education services.

(n)(1) Each provisional teaching endorsement license shall be valid for two years from the date of issuance.

(2) A provisional teaching endorsement license may be issued for one or more of the following levels:

(A) Early childhood;

(B) early childhood through late childhood;

(D) early adolescence through late adolescence and adulthood; or

(E) early childhood through late adolescence and adulthood.

(o)(1) Each provisional school specialist license shall be valid for two years from the date of issuance.

(2) A provisional school specialist endorsement license shall be issued for all levels.

(p)(1) A nonrenewable license shall be issued to each applicant who meets all other requirements for an initial license except the assessments.

(2) Each nonrenewable license shall be valid only through June 30 of the school year for which the license is issued.

(q)(1) Each STEM license shall be valid only through June 30 of the school year for which the license is issued.

(2) Each STEM license shall be valid for grades 8 through 12. (Authorized by and implementing Article 6, Section 2(a) of the Kansas Constitution; effective July 1, 2003; amended July 1, 2003; amended Jan. 2, 2004; amended Aug. 25, 2006; amended Aug. 10, 2007; amended July 18, 2008; amended Aug. 12, 2011; amended, T-91-6-30-14, June 30, 2014; amended Oct. 24, 2014; amended March 17, 2023.)

91-1-202. Endorsements. (a) Each license issued by the state board shall include one or more endorsements.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (l) through (p), endorsements available for teaching at the early childhood license level shall be as follows:

(1) Early childhood;

(2) early childhood unified;

(3) deaf or hard-of-hearing;

(4) prekindergarten general education;

(5) visually impaired; and

(6) school psychologist.

(c) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (l) through (p), endorsements available for teaching at the early childhood through late childhood license level shall be as follows:

(1) Elementary education;

(2) elementary education unified;

(3) English for speakers of other languages;

(4) gifted;

(5) high-incidence special education; and

(6) low-incidence special education.

(d) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (l) through (p), endorsements available for teaching at the late childhood through early adolescence license level shall be as follows:

(1) English for speakers of other languages;

(2) English language arts;

(3) gifted;

(4) high-incidence special education;

(5) history, government, and social studies;

(6) low-incidence special education;

(7) mathematics;

(8) middle-level generalist; and

(9) science.

(e) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (l) through (p), endorsements available for teaching at the early adolescence through late adolescence and adulthood license level shall be as follows:

(1) Advanced mathematics;

(2) agriculture;

(3) biology;

(4) business;

(5) chemistry;

(6) driver education;

(7) earth and space science;

(8) English for speakers of other languages;

(9) English language arts;

(10) family and consumer science;

(11) general mathematics;

(12) gifted;

(13) high-incidence special education;

(14) history, government, and social studies;

(15) journalism;

(16) low-incidence special education;

(17) physics;

(18) psychology;

(19) secondary education unified;

(20) speech and theatre; and

(21) technology and engineering education.

(f) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (l) through (p), endorsements available for teaching at the early childhood through late adolescence and adulthood level shall be as follows:

(1) Art;

(2) deaf or hard-of-hearing;

(3) English for speakers of other languages;

(4) gifted;

(5) health;

(6) high-incidence special education;

(7) instrumental music;

(8) low-incidence special education;

(9) music;

(10) physical education;

(11) visually impaired;

(12) vocal music; and

(13) world language.

(g) Endorsements available for all school leadership licenses shall be as follows:

(1) Building leadership;

(2) director of special education; and

(3) district leadership.

(h) Endorsements available for all school specialist fields shall be as follows:

(1) Library media specialist;

(2) reading specialist;

(3) school counselor;

(4) school psychologist; and

(5) teacher leader.

(i) Endorsements available for the visiting international teacher license shall be issued in the content area for which the individual is qualified and valid only for the local education agency approved by the commissioner of education.

(j) Endorsements available for the restricted teaching license shall be issued in the state board-approved content area and valid only for the state board-approved local education agency.

(k) Endorsements available for the limited-use teaching license shall be issued in the content area and valid only for the employing local education agency.

(l) Endorsements available for the provisional teaching endorsement license at the early childhood through late childhood license level shall be as follows:

(1) English for speakers of other languages;

(2) gifted;

(3) high-incidence special education; and

(4) low-incidence special education.

(m) Endorsements available for the provisional teaching endorsement license at the early childhood license level shall be as follows:

(1) Early childhood; and

(2) early childhood unified.

(n) Endorsements available for the provisional teaching endorsement license at the late childhood through early adolescence license level shall be as follows:

(1) English for speakers of other languages;

(2) English language arts;

(3) gifted;

(4) high-incidence special education;

(5) history, government, and social studies;

(6) low-incidence special education;

(7) mathematics; and

(8) science.

(o) Endorsements available for the provisional teaching endorsement license at the early adolescence through late adolescence and adulthood license level shall be as follows:

(1) Advanced mathematics;

(2) agriculture;

(3) biology;

(4) business;

(5) chemistry;

(6) earth and space science;

(7) English for speakers of other languages;

(8) English language arts;

(9) family and consumer science;

(10) general mathematics;

(11) gifted;

(12) high-incidence special education;

(13) history, government, and social studies;

(14) journalism;

(15) low-incidence special education;

(16) physics;

(17) psychology;

(18) speech and theatre; and

(19) technology and engineering education.

(p) Endorsements available for the provisional teaching endorsement license at the early childhood through late adolescence and adulthood level shall be as follows:

(1) Art;

(2) deaf or hard-of-hearing;

(3) English for speakers of other languages;

(4) gifted;

(5) health;

(6) high-incidence special education;

(7) instrumental music;

(8) low-incidence special education;

(9) music;

(10) physical education;

(11) visually impaired;

(12) vocal music; and

(13) world language.

(q) Endorsements available for provisional school specialist endorsement license at all levels shall be as follows:

(1) Library media specialist;

(2) reading specialist; and

(3) school counselor.

(r) Each applicant for a license with a low-incidence or high-incidence special education endorsement, or a gifted, visually impaired, or deaf or hard-of-hearing endorsement, shall have successfully completed one of the following:

(1) A state-approved program to teach general education students; or

(2) a professional education component that allows students to acquire competency in the following:

(A) The learner and learning: learner development, learning differences, and learning environments;

(B) content: content knowledge and application of content;

(D) professional responsibility: professional learning and ethical practice, leadership, and collaboration; and

(E) the ability to apply the acquired knowledge to teach general education students. (Authorized by and implementing Article 6, Section 2(a) of the Kansas Constitution; effective July 1, 2003; amended July 1, 2003; amended Aug. 25, 2006; amended Aug. 10, 2007; amended Aug. 28, 2009; amended Aug. 12, 2011; amended, T-91-6-30-14, June 30, 2014; amended Oct. 24, 2014; amended March 17, 2023.)

91-1-203. Licensure requirements. (a) Initial licenses.

(1) Each applicant for an initial teaching license shall submit to the state board the following:

(A) An official transcript verifying the granting of a bachelor’s degree;

(B) verification from an accredited institution by the unit head or designee of completion of a teacher education program;

(D) verification of successful completion of a content assessment;

(E) verification of eight semester hours of recent credit;

(F) an application for an initial license; and

(G) the licensure fee.

(2) Each applicant for an initial school leadership license shall submit to the state board the following:

(A) An official transcript verifying the granting of a graduate degree;

(B) verification from an accredited institution by the unit head or designee of completion of a graduate-level school leadership program;

(C) if application is made for a district leadership endorsement, verification from an accredited institution by the unit head or designee of completion of an approved building leadership or director of special education program;

(D) verification of a minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale in graduate leadership program coursework;

(E) verification of successful completion of a state board-approved school leadership assessment;

(F) verification of at least one year of recent experience or at least eight semester hours of recent credit;

(G) an application for an initial school leadership license;

(H) the licensure fee; and

(I) verification of five years of experience in a state-accredited school while holding a standard teaching or school specialist license and having achieved the professional-level license, a professional occupational license, or a full career and technical education certificate.

(3) Each applicant for an initial school specialist license shall submit to the state board the following:

(A) An official transcript verifying the granting of a graduate degree;

(B) verification from an accredited institution by the unit head or designee of completion of a graduate-level school specialist program;

(D) verification of a minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale in graduate school specialist program coursework;

(E) if application is made for a library media specialist endorsement or reading specialist endorsement, a currently valid professional teaching license;

(F) if application is made for a school counselor endorsement, verification of one of the following:

(i) A currently valid initial teaching license or professional teaching license; or

(ii) applicant’s successful completion of additional field experiences consisting of two three-credit-hour courses or at least 70 clock-hours over at least two semesters during the approved program specified in paragraph (a)(3)(B);

(G) verification of successful completion of a state board-approved school specialist assessment;

(H) an application for an initial school specialist license; and

(I) the licensure fee.

(b) Professional licenses.

(1) Each applicant for a professional teaching license shall submit to the state board the following:

(A) Verification of successful completion of the teaching performance assessment prescribed by the state board while the applicant holds an initial teaching license and is employed in a school accredited by the state board or by a national or regional accrediting agency recognized by the state board as listed on the Kansas state department of education’s web site;

(B) verification of at least one year of recent experience or at least eight semester hours of recent credit;

(D) the licensure fee.

(2) Each applicant for a professional school leadership license shall submit to the state board the following:

(A) Verification of successful completion of the school leadership performance assessment prescribed by the state board while the applicant holds an initial school leadership license and is employed in a school accredited by the state board or by a national or regional accrediting agency recognized by the state board as listed on the Kansas state department of education’s web site;

(B) verification of at least one year of recent experience or at least eight semester hours of recent credit;

(D) the licensure fee.

(3) Each applicant for a professional school specialist license shall submit to the state board the following:

(A) Verification of successful completion of the school specialist performance assessment prescribed by the state board while the applicant is employed in a school accredited by the state board or by a national or regional accrediting agency recognized by the state board as listed on the Kansas state department of education’s web site and while the applicant holds an initial school specialist license;

(B) verification of at least one year of recent experience or at least eight semester hours of recent credit;

(D) the licensure fee.

(4) Each applicant for a professional school specialist license with endorsement for teacher leader shall submit to the state board the following:

(A) An official transcript verifying the granting of a graduate degree;

(B) verification from an accredited institution by the unit head or designee of completion of a graduate-level teacher leader program and verification of successful completion of an evidence-centered assessment;

(D) verification of at least five years of accredited experience as a teacher, as a library media specialist or reading specialist, or as a school counselor;

(E) verification of a minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale in graduate teacher leader program coursework;

(F) verification of a currently valid professional teaching license;

(G) an application for a professional school specialist license for teacher leader; and

(H) the licensure fee.

(5) When required by this subsection, the performance assessment for professional teaching licensees shall be completion of at least a two-year approved mentoring program. The performance assessment for professional school specialist licensees shall be completion of at least a year-long approved mentoring program. The performance assessment for professional school leadership licensees shall be completion of at least a year-long approved mentoring program.

(c) Accomplished teaching licenses. Each applicant for an accomplished teaching license shall submit to the state board the following:

(1) Verification of achieving national board certification issued by the national board for professional teaching standards;

(2) verification of a currently valid professional teaching license;

(3) an application for an accomplished teaching license; and

(4) the licensure fee.

(d) Substitute teaching license. Each applicant for a substitute teaching license shall submit to the state board the following:

(1) An official transcript from an accredited institution verifying the granting of a bachelor’s degree;

(2) verification from an accredited institution of completion of an approved teacher education program;

(3) an application for substitute teaching license; and

(4) the licensure fee.

(e) Emergency substitute teaching license. Each applicant for an emergency substitute teaching license shall submit to the state board the following:

(1) An official transcript verifying the completion of at least 60 semester hours of general education coursework, professional education coursework, or a combination of these types of coursework;

(2) an application for emergency substitute teaching license; and

(3) the licensure fee.

(f) Visiting scholar teaching license.

(1) Each applicant for a visiting scholar teaching license shall submit to the state board the following:

(A) An application for a visiting scholar teaching license and the licensure fee;

(B) written verification from an administrator of an accredited or approved local education agency that the applicant will be employed if the license is issued; and

(2) Upon receipt of an application for a visiting scholar teaching license, the following requirements shall be met:

(A) The application and documentation submitted shall be reviewed by the commissioner of education or the commissioner’s designee.

(B) A recommendation to the state board shall be made by the commissioner of education or the commissioner’s designee on whether a visiting scholar teaching license should be issued to the applicant.

(3) The decision of whether a visiting scholar teaching license should be issued to any applicant shall be made by the state board.

(g) Visiting international teacher license.

(1) Each applicant for a visiting international teacher license shall submit to the state board the following:

(A) An application for a visiting international teacher license and the licensure fee;

(B) an official credential evaluation by a credential evaluator approved by the state board and listed on the state board’s web site;

(C) verification of employment from the local education agency, including the teaching assignment, which shall be to teach in the content area of the applicant’s teacher preparation or to teach the applicant’s native language; and

(D) verification of the applicant’s participation in the visiting international teacher program.

(2) The visiting international teacher license may be renewed for a maximum of four additional school years if the licensee continues to participate in the visiting international teacher program, the district will continue to employ the teacher, and the district certifies that the teacher’s evaluation is at the effective level.

(h) Restricted teaching license.

(1) Each applicant for a restricted teaching license shall submit to the state board the following:

(A) An application for a restricted teaching license and the licensure fee;

(B) an official transcript or transcripts verifying completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree in the content area or with equivalent coursework in the area for which the restricted teaching license is sought. Heritage language speakers shall qualify as having met content equivalency for their heritage language;

(C) verification of a minimum 2.75 grade point average on a 4.0 scale for the most recent 60 semester credit hours earned;

(D) verification that the applicant has attained a passing score on the content assessment;

(E) verification that the local education agency will employ the applicant if the license is issued;

(F) verification that the local education agency will assign a licensed teacher with three or more years of experience to serve as a mentor for the applicant;

(G) verification that the applicant has completed a supervised practical training experience through collaboration of the teacher education institution and the hiring local education agency;

(H) a statement from the licensing officer of a teacher education institution in Kansas attesting to the following:

(i) The applicant has on file a written plan that will qualify the applicant for standard licensure in the content area for which the restricted teaching license is sought;

(ii) the plan for program completion can be completed in not more than two years and contains a specific designation of the coursework that is to be completed each year;

(iii) the program provided to the applicant will meet the teacher education institution’s approved professional education standards; and

(iv) the teacher education institution will provide the applicant with on-site support at the employing local education agency, including supervision of the applicant’s teaching experience; and

(I) a statement verifying that the local education agency and the teacher education institution have collaborated regarding the approved program that the applicant will pursue and the support that the applicant will receive.

(2) The teacher education institution providing a plan of study for any person holding a restricted teaching license shall coordinate the submission of a progress report before July 1 of each year during the effective period of the restricted teaching license. This progress report shall verify the following:

(A) The applicant’s contract will be renewed.

(B) The local education agency will continue to assign a mentor teacher to the applicant.

(D) The institution will continue to support the applicant, on-site, as necessary.

(E) The applicant has attained at least a 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale in those courses specified in the applicant’s plan for standard licensure.

(3) Each applicant who is unable to provide any verification or statement required in paragraph (h)(2) shall no longer be eligible to hold a restricted teaching license.

(i) Restricted school specialist license.

(1) Each applicant for a restricted school specialist license with endorsement for library media specialist or school counselor shall submit to the state board the following:

(A) An application for a restricted school specialist license and the appropriate fee;

(B) an official transcript or transcripts verifying completion of a graduate degree in the content area of counseling or library media;

(D) verification of a minimum 3.25 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale in graduate school specialist program coursework; and

(E) documentation that the following conditions are met:

(i) The local education agency has made reasonable attempts to locate and hire a licensed person for the restricted school specialist position that the applicant is to fill;

(ii) the local education agency will employ the applicant if the license is issued;

(iii) the local education agency has an agreement with an experienced school specialist in the same content area to serve as a mentor for the applicant;

(iv) the local educational agency will provide, within the first six weeks of employment, an orientation or induction program for the applicant;

(v) the local education agency has collaborated with a teacher education institution in Kansas regarding the program that the applicant will pursue to obtain standard licensure; and

(vi) the local education agency will provide release time for the candidate to work with the mentor and to work on progress toward program completion; and

(F) a statement from the licensing officer of a teacher education institution in Kansas attesting to the following:

(i) The applicant has on file a written plan that will qualify the applicant for standard licensure in the school specialist content area for which the restricted school specialist license is sought;

(ii) the plan for program completion can be completed in not more than three years and contains a specific designation of the coursework that is to be completed each year;

(iii) the program provided to the applicant will meet the teacher education institution’s approved professional education standards;

(iv) the teacher education institution will provide the applicant with on-site support; and

(v) the teacher education institution has collaborated with the employing local education agency concerning the applicant’s program.

(2) Each local education agency that employs a person holding a restricted school specialist license shall submit to the commissioner of education a progress report before July 1 of each year during the effective period of the restricted school specialist license. This progress report shall include the following:

(A) Verification that the applicant has attained passing scores on the content assessment by the end of the first year;

(B) verification from the chief administrative officer of the employing local education agency attesting to the following:

(i) The applicant’s contract will be renewed; and

(ii) the local education agency will continue to assign a mentor to the applicant and provide accommodations to the applicant to work with the mentor and to complete the applicant’s plan for standard licensure;

(i) The applicant has completed 50 percent of the applicant’s plan to qualify for standard licensure; and

(ii) the teacher education institution will continue to support the applicant, on-site, as necessary; and

(D) an official transcript verifying that the applicant has attained at least a 3.25 GPA on a 4.0 scale in the courses specified in the applicant’s plan for standard licensure.

(3) Each applicant who is unable to provide any verification or statement required in paragraph (i)(2) shall no longer be eligible to hold a restricted school specialist license and shall return any previously issued restricted school specialist license to the state board.

(j) Transitional license.

(1) Each applicant for a transitional license shall submit to the state board the following:

(A) Verification of meeting the requirements for any initial license or any professional license as provided in subsection (a) or (b) or in K.A.R. 91-1-204(c), except for recent credit or recent experience; or

(B) verification of having previously held any initial or any professional license or certificate issued by the state board that has been expired for six months or longer;

(D) the licensure fee.

(2) Any person who holds a transitional license issued under paragraph (j)(1)(A) may upgrade that transitional license to an initial license or a professional license by submitting to the state board the following:

(A) Verification of accredited experience during the term of the transitional license; or

(B)(i) Verification of having successfully completed eight hours of recent credit; or

(ii) verification of meeting the requirements in K.A.R. 91-1-205(b)(3)(C), if the person meets the requirements of K.A.R. 91-1-206.

(k) Provisional teaching endorsement license.

(1) Each applicant shall hold a currently valid initial teaching license or professional teaching license at any level and shall submit to the state board the following:

(A) Verification of completion of at least 50 percent of an approved teacher education program in the requested endorsement field;

(B) a deficiency plan to complete the approved program requirements from the licensing officer of a teacher education institution;

(D) an application for a provisional teaching endorsement license; and

(E) the licensure fee.

(2) Each applicant for a provisional teaching endorsement license for high-incidence special education, low-incidence special education, deaf or hard-of-hearing, gifted special education, or visually impaired shall hold a currently valid initial teaching license or professional teaching license and shall submit to the state board the following:

(A) Verification of completion of coursework in the areas of methodology and the characteristics of exceptional children and special education, and completion of a practicum in the specific special education field;

(B) a deficiency plan to complete the requirements from the licensing officer of a teacher education institution;

(D) an application for a provisional teaching endorsement license; and

(E) the licensure fee.

(l) Provisional school specialist endorsement license. Each applicant shall submit to the state board the following:

(1) Verification of completion of 50 percent of a school specialist program;

(2) a deficiency plan for completion of the approved school specialist program from the licensing officer at a teacher education institution;

(3) verification of employment and assignment in the school specialty endorsement area for which licensure is sought;

(4) for a provisional library media or reading specialist endorsement license, verification of a currently valid professional teaching license;

(5) for a provisional school counselor endorsement license, the following:

(A) Verification from the employing local education agency that a person holding a professional school counselor specialist license will be assigned to supervise the applicant during the provisional licensure period; and

(B)(i) Verification of a currently valid initial teaching license or professional teaching license; or

(ii) verification from the licensure officer at the teacher education institution that the applicant has successfully completed additional field experiences consisting of at least one of the three-credit-hour courses or at least 35 of the 70 clock-hours specified in paragraph (a)(3)(F)(ii) and that the applicant will be supervised on-site by the teacher education institution during the first semester of the provisional license;

(6) an application for a provisional school specialist license; and

(7) the licensure fee.

(m) STEM license.

(1) Each applicant for a STEM license shall submit to the state board the following:

(A) An official transcript verifying the granting of an undergraduate or graduate degree in one of the following subjects: life science, physical science, earth and space science, mathematics, engineering, computer technology, finance, or accounting;

(B) verification of at least five years of full-time professional work experience in the subject;

(C) verification that a local education agency will employ the applicant and assign the applicant to teach only the subject specified on the STEM license if the STEM license is issued;

(D) verification that the hiring local education agency will provide professional learning opportunities determined as appropriate by the hiring local education agency;

(E) an application for the STEM license; and

(F) the licensure fee.

(2) Any STEM licensee may apply for a STEM license valid for subsequent school years by submitting the following:

(A) The verifications specified in paragraphs (m)(1)(C) and (D);

(B) an application for renewal; and

(n) Limited-use teaching license. Each applicant for a limited-use teaching license shall submit to the state board the following:

(1) An official transcript verifying the granting of any bachelor’s degrees and any graduate degrees;

(2) verification that an LEA will employ the applicant and assign the applicant to teach only the subject and grade level specified on the license if the license is issued;

(3) verification of the applicant’s content knowledge in the subject of the applicant’s assignment. Verification shall include one or more of the following:

(A) A degree in the subject;

(B) coursework equivalent to a major in the field;

(D) 4,000 hours of occupational experience in the subject;

(4) verification from the hiring LEA that the LEA will be responsible for developing the applicant through delivery of pedagogy coursework from an approved program in the subject;

(5) verification from the hiring LEA that the LEA has assigned a mentor to the applicant;

(6) an application for a limited-use teaching license; and

(7) the licensure fee. (Authorized by and implementing Article 6, Section 2(a) of the Kansas Constitution; effective July 1, 2003; amended July 1, 2003; amended Jan. 2, 2004; amended Aug. 5, 2005; amended Aug. 10, 2007; amended July 18, 2008; amended Aug. 28, 2009; amended Aug. 12, 2011; amended, T-91-6-30-14, June 30, 2014; amended Oct. 24, 2014; amended March 17, 2023.)

91-1-204. Licensure of out-of-state and foreign applicants. As used in this regulation, “accredited institution” shall mean any college or university outside of Kansas that has successfully completed an evaluation process through an educational association recognized for that purpose by the United States department of education.

(a) Despite any other licensure regulation, any person who meets the requirements of this regulation may be issued a license by the state board.

(b)(1) Any person who holds or has held a standard teaching, school leadership, or school specialist license issued by another state may apply for either an initial teaching license, an initial school specialist license, or an initial school leadership license or a professional teaching license, a professional school specialist license, or a professional school leadership license.

(2) To obtain an initial teaching license, each applicant specified in paragraph (b)(1) shall submit the following:

(A) An official transcript verifying the granting of a bachelor’s degree;

(B) verification from the unit head or designee of an accredited institution that the applicant has completed a state-approved teacher education program. If the applicant is seeking licensure to teach content in grades 8 through 12, this verification shall not be required if the applicant submits verification of having secured a commitment for hire from a local education agency;

(C) verification of successful completion of a pedagogical assessment prescribed by the state board or evidence of successful completion of a pedagogical assessment in the state in which the applicant holds or has held a standard license;

(D) verification of successful completion of a content assessment or evidence of successful completion of an endorsement content assessment in the state in which the applicant holds or has held a standard license;

(E) verification of at least one year of recent experience or at least eight semester hours of recent credit;

(F) a copy of the applicant’s out-of-state standard license;

(G) an application for a Kansas license; and

(H) the licensure fee.

(3) To obtain a professional teaching license, each applicant specified in paragraph (b)(1) shall submit the following:

(A) An official transcript verifying the granting of a bachelor’s degree;

(D)(i) Evidence of successful completion of pedagogical, content, and performance assessments prescribed by the state board or evidence of successful completion of the three assessments in the state in which the applicant holds or has held the standard license;

(ii) verification of at least three years of recent experience under a standard license; or

(iii) verification of at least five years of accredited experience under a standard license;

(E) verification of at least one year of recent experience or at least eight semester hours of recent credit;

(F) an application for a Kansas license; and

(G) the licensure fee.

(4) To obtain an initial school leadership license, each out-of-state applicant shall submit the following:

(A) An official transcript verifying the granting of a graduate degree;

(B) verification from an accredited institution by the unit head or designee of completion of a graduate-level school leadership program;

(C) if application is made for a district leadership endorsement, verification from an accredited institution by the unit head or designee of completion of a state-approved building leadership program;

(D) verification of a minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA in graduate leadership program coursework;

(E) verification of successful completion of a school leadership content assessment as determined by the state board or documentation of successful completion of an appropriate leadership content assessment in the state in which the applicant holds or has held a standard leadership license;

(F) verification of at least one year of recent experience or at least eight semester hours of recent credit;

(G) a copy of the applicant’s out-of-state standard leadership license;

(H) an application for initial school leadership license;

(I) the licensure fee; and

(J) verification of five years of experience in a state-accredited school while holding a standard teaching license or standard school specialist license and having achieved the professional-level license, a professional occupational license, a leadership license, or a full career and technical education certificate.

(5) To obtain an initial school specialist license, each out-of-state applicant shall submit the following:

(A) An official transcript verifying the granting of a graduate degree;

(B) verification from an accredited institution by the unit head or designee of completion of a graduate-level school specialist program;

(D)(i) If application is made for a library media specialist endorsement or reading specialist endorsement, a valid professional teaching license; or

(ii) if application is made for a school counselor endorsement, a standard teaching license;

(E) verification of successful completion of a school specialist content assessment as determined by the state board;

(F) verification of at least one year of recent experience or at least eight semester hours of recent credit;

(G) a copy of the applicant’s out-of-state standard school specialist license;

(H) an application for an initial school specialist license; and

(I) the licensure fee.

(6) To obtain a professional school leadership license, each out-of-state applicant shall submit the following:

(A) An official transcript verifying the granting of a graduate degree;

(B) verification from an accredited institution by the unit head or designee of completion of a graduate-level school leadership program;

(D) verification of at least one year of recent experience or at least eight semester hours of recent credit;

(E) verification of five years of experience in a state-accredited school while holding a standard teaching license or standard school specialist license and having achieved the professional-level license, a professional occupational license, a leadership license, or a full career and technical education certificate;

(F)(i) Evidence of successful completion of the school leadership content assessment and completion in a state-accredited school of the school leadership performance assessment prescribed by the state board or evidence of successful completion of the two assessments in the state in which the applicant holds or has held a standard school leadership license;

(ii) verification of at least three years of recent experience in a school leadership position while holding a standard school leadership license; or

(iii) verification of at least five years of accredited school leadership experience under a standard school leadership license;

(G) a copy of the applicant’s out-of-state standard school leadership license;

(H) an application for the professional school leadership license; and

(I) the licensure fee.

(7) To obtain a professional school specialist license, each out-of-state applicant shall submit the following:

(A) An official transcript verifying the granting of a graduate degree;

(B) verification from an accredited institution by the unit head or designee of completion of a graduate-level specialist program;

(D) verification of at least one year of recent experience or at least eight semester hours of recent credit;

(E)(i) If application is made for a library media specialist endorsement or reading specialist endorsement, a currently valid professional teaching license; or

(ii) if application is made for a school counselor endorsement, a standard teaching license;

(F)(i) Evidence of successful completion of the school specialist content assessment and completion in a state-accredited school of the school specialist performance assessment prescribed by the state board or evidence of successful completion of the two assessments in the state in which the applicant holds or has held a standard school specialist license;

(ii) verification of at least three years of recent experience in a school specialist position while holding a valid standard school specialist license; or

(iii) verification of at least five years of accredited school specialist experience under a standard school specialist license;

(G) a copy of the applicant’s out-of-state standard school specialist license;

(H) an application for the professional school specialist license; and

(I) the licensure fee.

(8) Any person who holds a valid initial or professional school specialist license as a school counselor in another state where the counselor license is issued without a classroom teaching requirement may apply for an initial or professional school specialist license with endorsement for school counselor.

(A) To obtain an initial school specialist license with endorsement for school counselor, each applicant specified in paragraph (b)(8) shall submit to the state board the following:

(i) An official transcript verifying the granting of a graduate degree;

(ii) verification from an accredited institution by the unit head or designee of completion of a graduate-level school counselor program;

(iii) verification of a minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale in graduate school specialist program coursework;

(iv) verification of at least one year of recent experience or at least eight semester hours of recent credit;

(v) evidence of successful completion of the school counselor content assessment prescribed by the state board or evidence of successful completion of a school counselor assessment in the state in which the applicant holds or has held a standard school specialist license;

(vi) a copy of the applicant’s out-of-state standard school specialist license;

(vii) an application for the school specialist license; and

(viii) the licensure fee.

(B) To obtain a professional school specialist license with endorsement for school counselor, each applicant specified in paragraph (b)(8) shall submit to the state board verification of all documentation specified in paragraph (b)(8)(A) and one of the following:

(i) Verification of at least three years of recent experience as a school counselor while holding a valid, standard school counselor license; or

(ii) verification of at least five years of accredited school counselor experience under a standard school counselor license.

(c)(1) Any person who holds a valid professional teaching license in another state and has earned national board certification issued by the national board for professional teaching standards may apply for an accomplished teaching license, which shall be valid for as long as the national board certificate is valid.

(2) To obtain an accomplished teaching license, each applicant specified in paragraph (c)(1) shall submit the following:

(A) Evidence of current national board certification;

(B) verification of a valid professional teaching license issued by another state;

(D) the licensure fee.

(d)(1)(A) Any person who holds a valid license in another state earned through completion of an alternative teacher-education program may apply for an interim alternative license.

(B) Any person who holds a valid license in another state earned through completion of an alternative teacher-education program and who has five or more years of accredited experience earned under a standard license, three years of which are continuous in the same local education agency, may apply for a professional teaching license by meeting the requirements of paragraph (b)(3).

(2) To obtain an interim alternative license, each applicant specified in paragraph (d)(1)(A) shall submit to the state board the following:

(A) An official transcript verifying the granting of a bachelor’s degree;

(B) a copy of the applicant’s currently valid out-of-state license;

(D) verification of at least one year of recent experience or at least eight semester hours of recent credit;

(E) an application for an interim alternative license; and

(F) the licensure fee.

(3) Each person who holds an interim alternative license shall submit to the commissioner of education, within the term of the interim alternative license, a request for review of the application by the licensure review committee.

(A) Upgrading the interim alternative license to the standard initial license shall require verification of the following:

(i) Successful completion of all requirements set by the licensure review committee and approved by the state board; and

(ii) successful completion of a pedagogical assessment and successful completion of a content assessment.

(B) Upgrading the interim alternative license to the professional level license shall require verification of the following:

(i) A recommendation from the licensure review committee and approval by the state board with no additional requirements specified; and

(ii) verification that the person meets the requirements of paragraph (b)(3)(D).

(e) Any person who has completed an education program from a foreign institution outside of the United States may receive an initial license if, in addition to meeting the requirements for the initial license as stated in K.A.R. 91-1-203, that person submits the following:

(1) An official credential evaluation by a credential evaluator approved by the state board; and

(2) if the person’s primary language is not English, verification of passing scores on an English proficiency examination prescribed by the state board.(Authorized by and implementing Article 6, Section 2(a) of the Kansas Constitution; effective July 1, 2003; amended July 1, 2003; amended Aug. 10, 2007; amended July 18, 2008; amended Aug. 28, 2009; amended Aug. 12, 2011; amended, T-91-6-30-14, June 30, 2014; amended Oct. 24, 2014; amended March 17, 2023.)

91-1-209. Additional endorsements. (a) Any person who hold any currently valid teaching, school specialist, or school leadership license may add additional endorsements to that license by submitting to the state board the following:

(1) Verification from an accredited institution by a unit head or designee of completion of an approved content area program;

(2) verification of successful completion of the appropriate endorsement content assessment prescribed by the state board;

(3) an application for an added endorsement; and

(4) the application fee.

(b)(1) Except as specified in paragraph (b)(2), any person who holds a valid teaching license may add additional teaching endorsements by submitting to the state board the following, for each endorsement:

(A) Verification of successful completion of the endorsement content assessment prescribed by the state board;

(B) an application for the added endorsement; and

(2) Teaching endorsements for early childhood, early childhood unified, early childhood through late childhood, high-incidence special education, low-incidence special education, elementary education unified, secondary education unified, gifted, deaf or hard-of-hearing, or visually impaired shall not be available under paragraph (b)(1).

(3) Each applicant adding a subject endorsement for technology and engineering education, family and consumer science, agriculture, or English for speakers of other languages shall verify completion of content-specific professional learning and assessment of the learning in addition to the requirements of paragraph (b)(1). The assessment shall be designed and administered by any teacher education institution providing a state board-approved program in the subject endorsement and shall address the essential knowledge and skills prescribed in the program standards, including student safety where applicable. The professional learning and assessment shall be reviewed during each teacher education institution’s program review process as required in K.A.R. 91-1-235 and K.A.R. 91-1-236.

(4) An endorsement for driver education may be added to a currently valid standard teaching license by submitting to the state board the following:

(A) An official transcript verifying completion of six semester hours of credit in driver education and three semester hours of credit in general safety from an approved program;

(B) an application for the driver education endorsement; and

(C) the application fee. (Authorized by and implementing Article 6, Section 2(a) of the Kansas Constitution; effective July 1, 2003; amended Aug. 10, 2007; amended July 18, 2008; amended July 27, 2012; amended March 17, 2023.)

Randy Watson
Commissioner of Education
Department of Education

Doc. No. 050929