FAQ: Transition to Teaching Program
Q: When can I begin the program?
A: A new two-year cohort begins in June of each year.
Q: When can I apply for the program?
A: Applications can be completed and submitted year-round.
Q: What do I need to be eligible for program entry?
A: Candidates need to have a degree in the subject they are wanting to teach or must
have a degree and completed all required coursework in the subject in which one plans
to teach. Candidates must also meet the state-required GPA of 2.75 for the last 60
college credits completed.
Q: Are courses available online?
A: Courses for the Transition to Teaching program include face-to-face, hybrid and
online formats. On-campus courses during the first summer are scheduled for Saturday
mornings, and classes during the fall and spring are scheduled on Saturdays as well.
Keep these logistics in mind if you are considering application to the WSU Transition
to Teaching program.
Q: What subjects can I teach?
A: The 'high needs' teaching fields at the secondary level are typically Mathematics,
Science, and English. View subjects available for licensure through Transition to Teaching.
Q: How long does it take to complete the program?
A: It takes two years to complete teaching licensure requirements. It takes an additional
year to complete the master's degree. A new two-year cohort begins every June.
Q: What tests will I need to take for program entry?
A: After completing the application process, including an interview and program pre-advisement
session, you should begin with testing preparation for the Praxis Subject Assessment Exam in your teaching subject.
Q: Can I transfer credit hours from another program or university to substitute for
T2T program course requirements?
A: No. The Kansas State Department of Education and WSU have approved the set of courses
that make up T2T.
Q: Can I apply for teaching positions anywhere in the state of Kansas?
A1: Yes, provided that the school has the KSDE required accreditation. All Kansas
public schools and Catholic diocese schools have accepted accreditation. Contact
the T2T office if you are considering an application to a school that is not in either
of these categories.
A2: When looking for a teaching position, keep in mind that the WSU Transition to Teaching program holds a number of class sessions on campus. You must be able to come to WSU for those classes in order to participate in the program.
Q: In what ways am I supported as a new teacher during my two years in the program?
A: Each T2T teacher in our program is assigned a WSU university supervisor/mentor
for two years. The university supervisor stays with the teacher for two years and
schedules formal observations during that timeframe. The university supervisor also
has ongoing communication with the T2T Director regarding the successes and challenges
of the teachers they supervise. The school district is also required to provide a
mentor for our teachers, and in some cases both a building and a district mentor provide
support.
Q: How is the WSU Transition to Teaching program different from the other programs
offered in Kansas?
A: Our program has many distinguishing features. Courses are closely aligned to create
a cumulative learning experience over the two years in the program. Core coursework
(focused on lesson and unit design, instructional strategies, classroom management
and assessment) during year one is taught by a School of Education instructor in collaboration
with the T2T director and the second year core is taught by a master teacher and university
supervisor. Course instructors don't rotate, providing stability in the content of
the courses and continued dialogue among the T2T course faculty for continuous improvement
and linkage. University supervisors are selected by the director based on their evaluative
experience and are not associated with a school or district, while also providing
two years of continuous support for their assigned T2T teachers. Finally, courses
focus on developing T2T teachers into innovative and creative educators.
Q: Can I coach or sponsor extra-curricular activities while teaching in the program?
A: We recommend that these additional responsibilities are avoided, when possible,
since they can create additional stress on top of being a new teacher and keeping
up with coursework. These outside activities often create schedule conflicts with
course sessions, and missing any course sessions results in loss of attendance and
participation points, which have considerable weight in determining grades. Course
session dates are scheduled well in advance so that if a T2T teacher is asked to coach
or sponsor and extra-curricular activity, they can notify their administrators of
the days they will not be available for outside responsibilities.
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Q: How much does the T2T program cost?
A: The estimated two-year cost of completing the T2T program as of Spring 2022 using
Kansas resident tuition rates is $11,000, excluding textbooks. The estimated per
credit hour tuition (inclusive of student fees) is $350 per credit hour. Summer,
fall and spring courseloads vary. This is an estimate and is subject to change annually.
There is no cost to apply to T2T other than for ordering transcripts. Go to www.wichita.edu/tuition for current tuition rates.
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Q: How much will I earn as a teacher while in the T2T program?
A: T2T teachers earn the same beginning salary as do other first and second year teachers.
Each school district sets their own salary schedules, as does the Catholic diocese.
The average entry level teacher salary in Kansas is $39,277 as of May 27, 2022, but the salary range typically falls between $32,806 and $47,889.
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Q: Once I complete the Transition to Teaching program, will my license be accepted by other states?
Statement on 34 CFR 668.43(a)(5)(v). Wichita State University’s teacher education programs are accredited at the national, regional, and state level. Candidates for these programs complete requirements to be recommended for licensure in the state of Kansas. Except for Kansas, Wichita State has made no determination if this program will lead to licensure in your state or the state in which you are seeking licensure. Because every state has different requirements that may change frequently, we recommend checking with your state education department for current requirements. The nonprofit organization Education Commission of the States has compiled Teacher License Reciprocity State Profiles that provide additional information about the teacher license reciprocity agreements for each state in a searchable format.