Transition to Teaching (T2T) Program

Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE)

Eligibility Requirements for Restricted Licensure

• Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution in the regular education subject that you want to teach  (OR)
• Hold a degree in another subject area but have completed (or have the equivalency to) all the required content area coursework required for the subject that you want to teach.

 

• Have a GPA of 2.75 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) in the last 60 credit hours of graded coursework from an accredited institution.
• Must have received a passing score on the Praxis exam for the subject area that you want to teach.
• Must have completed a supervised practical training experience. This requirement can be met a in number of ways including shadowing/observing, substitute teaching, para-professional work, etc. The T2T program will need to provide approval for the option that is used to meet this requirement.   
• An official transcript from every institution attended must be on file with the Wichita State University graduate school.
• Heritage language speakers with a bachelor’s degree or higher can qualify for a restricted teaching license to teach their native language if all other requirements are met.

KSDE Employment Policies

• You must obtain an offer of employment as the teacher of record in your qualifying subject area.
• You must be hired at least half-time (.5 FTE). If employed half-time, 100% of the courses taught must be in your qualifying subject area.
• If you are hired full-time (1.0 FTE), 50% of the courses taught must be in your qualifying subject area.
• Employment is limited to KSDE approved accredited schools/districts only.
• Teaching must be done in a traditional in person classroom setting.
  • On-line teaching or virtual classroom teaching DO NOT meet the KSDE requirements for restricted licensure.
• You must be able to pass a KBI fingerprint and background check.

Qualifying Subject Areas for T2T/Restricted Licensure

 

T2T candidates must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in the subject area that they want to teach.The T2T program is available for those with degrees in the following subjects:

• Agriculture (6-12)
• Art (PreK-12)
• Biology (6-12)
• Business (6-12)
• Chemistry (6-12)
• Earth/Space (6-12)
• English (5-8 or 6-12)
• Family & Consumer Science (6-12)
• French (PreK-12)
• History/Government (5-8 or 6-12)
• Journalism (6-12)
• Math (5-8 or 6-12)
• Music (PreK-12)
• Physics (6-12)
• Science (5-8)
• Spanish (PreK-12)
• Speech/Theatre (must have a degree in at least one of the subjects) (6-12)
• Technology & Engineering (6-12)

Degree in Another Subject

If you do not have a degree in the subject area that you want to teach, you will most likely need to complete additional subject area course work to qualify. You will be provided a list of prerequisite courses needed to qualify for program entry after you have submitted your preliminary application materials. 

WSU can only provide a list of prerequisite course for the following subject areas:

• Art (PreK-12)
• Biology (6-12)
• Chemistry (6-12)
• Earth/Space (6-12)
• English (5-8 or 6-12)
• French (PreK-12)
• History/Government (5-8 or 6-12)
• Math (5-8 or 6-12)
• Music (PreK-12)
• Physics (6-12)
• Science (5-8)
• Spanish (PreK-12)

The following degree majors DO NOT qualify for T2T without first completing additional subject area coursework: Anthropology, Bible Ministry, Criminal Justice, Computer Studies, Information Networking, Interdisciplinary Studies, Law, Liberal Arts, Nursing, Organizational Leadership, Religion, Social Work, Sociology, Sports Management, or Women’s Studies.

 

 

GPA Requirement

 

The GPA requirement for T2T/MAT program entry and for KSDE restricted teacher licensure is 2.75 in the last 60 credit hours of graded coursework. Your last 60 credit hour GPA will be calculated during the preliminary application process.

 

T2T applicants that do not meet the GPA requirement, can raise their GPA to the required level by retaking courses or completing addition coursework. If you need to raise your GPA to qualify for program entry, you will work with the T2T academic program specialist to create a plan to do so.  

 

 Program Entry Checklist

A New Cohort Group Begins June 1^st of Each Year

 

• Have a transcript analysis completed confirming that a degree has been earned in the subject that you want to teach OR have a degree in another subject but have completed ALL of the subject area coursework that is required for teacher licensure at WSU for your licensing subject.
• GPA calculation completed and is confirmed that it meets the requirement of least 2.75 in the last 60 credit hours of graded coursework.
• Complete an interview and a pre-program advising session with a T2T team member.
• Provide evidence that a passing score has been received on the Praxis subject exam required for the state of Kansas in the licensing subject area.
• Submit an application and receive full standing admission to the WSU Graduate School in the MAT degree program (T2T Track). Grad School applications are submitted in March for summer entry. All courses must be taken at the graduate level.
• Have official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended that provide clear evidence of GPA and degree submitted to the WSU Graduate School.
• Provide evidence of working with middle or high students (supervised practical training experience).
• Attend a T2T orientation workshop (held every March).
• Enroll in and successfully complete all T2T summer graduate level pre-requisite education courses.
• Secure a contract to teach half time or more in an accredited Kansas school in your subject area of licensure.

All program entry requirements should be met prior to MAY 15^th in order to meet the eligibility criteria for summer program entry

Tuition and Fees

T2T is a graduate level initial teacher licensure program. Graduate level tuition will be charged for each course in additon to university, department and supervision fees. Current information regarding graduate level WSU tuition and fees can be found at: https://www.wichita.edu/academics/graduate_school/admissions/tuition-and-costs.php

Please note: Summer, fall and spring courseloads vary, so tuition costs differ from semester to semester.

Financial Aid

• T2T is a track of the Master of Arts in Teaching degree program so financial aid is available for T2T students.
• While participating in the T2T program at WSU you will be considered a part-time graduate student.
• There are TEACH grants available for high needs subject areas. Contact the WSU Financial Aid Office for these possible funding options. Current information regarding financial aid at WSU can be found at: https://www.wichita.edu/administration/financial_aid/

 

Transition to Teaching Program Coursework

The following list is the current sequence of required T2T professional education coursework

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Degree Option

 

T2T students fulfill Kansas teacher licensure requirements during their two years of participation in the program. During these two years, 29 graduate level credit hours are completed. These credit hours can be applied towards the School of Education's Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree. Those wanting to earn the MAT degree must complete an additional seven credit hours of graduate level research corsework for a total of 36 credit hours. Currently, MAT coursework is offered completely online and takes an additional year to complete.

Congratulations! You have completed the requirements for your Master of Arts of Teaching (MAT) Degree!

** Instructional Formats **

Hybrid = In person and remote class meetings that meet on Saturdays  | Online = Module based, NO in person or remote class meetings

Heritage Language Speakers and International Degrees

 

Heritage Language Speakers

• Heritage language speakers can qualify for participation in the T2T program after having met the content equivalency for their heritage language by passing the Praxis subject exam AND by meeting the other T2T program entry requirements. See Program Entry Checklist for requirements.

 

International Degrees and Transcript Evaluations

• Candidates who have completed college coursework or degrees from international institutions may be eligible for the T2T program and a restricted teaching license in Kansas.  International T2T candidates must request an evaluation of their academic credentials or transcripts from a KSDE approved evaluating agency.
• International candidates will need to request a course-by-course evaluation that includes semester credits, grade equivalents, a grade point average on a 4.0 scale and the confirmed degree from a National Association of Credential Evaluations Services (NACES) member. This will also need to be submitted with preliminary application documents. The approved NACES list can be found at: https://www.naces.org/members

Frequently Asked Questions

 

When can I begin the program?

A new T2T cohort group begins June 1st of each year and is tailored towards those that have been hired to begin teaching in August.

 

When can I apply for the program?

Preliminary application documents can be completed and submitted year-round. May 15th is the latest that preliminary documents can be submitted for June program entry.

 

Are courses available online?

Courses for the T2T program include in person, hybrid and online instructional methods.  In person courses meet on Saturdays during the first summer. During the academic year, T2T courses meet in person two Saturdays a month.  Keep these logistics in mind if you are considering participating in this program.

 

How long does it take to complete the T2T program?

It takes two years (29 credit hours) to complete the teacher licensure requirements (T2T).

 

Can I get a master’s degree with coursework from the T2T program?

YES! All 29 credit hours from the T2T program can be applied towards the Master of Arts in Teaching degree.  Following T2T licensure completion a MAT degree can be earned by taking  an additional 7 credit hours of research coursework.

 

What test will I need to take for program entry?

You will need to take and pass the Praxis content exam required for your licensing subject area for the state of Kansas. A passing score on the subject exam must be received before KSDE will issue you a restricted teaching license. https://praxis.ets.org/

 

Can I transfer credit hours from another program or university to substitute for T2T program course requirements?

No. WSU has an approved set of pedagogical graduate level courses that make up the T2T program that must be completed in its entirety.

 

Can I apply for teaching positions anywhere in the state of Kansas?

Yes. Provided that the school has KSDE approved accreditation. Contact us if you are considering applying for a position that is NOT in a public or Catholic school.

 

Once eligible for program entry, am I required to have a teaching job to participate?

Yes. KSDE regulations for a restricted teaching license require that you be hired as the teacher of record in your licensing subject area AND level in an approved Kansas school district. The first T2T summer courses can be taken without having secured a teaching position, but a job must be secured by August 1st in order to move forward with additional T2T coursework.

 

What type of teaching license will I have while participating in the T2T program?

After meeting the program entry requirements and securing a teaching position, you will be issued a Restricted Teaching License from KSDE. This restricted license will be valid while completing the two years of required T2T coursework. Once you successfully complete the T2T program, you will then be eligible to apply for either a two year Initial Teaching License or a five year Professional Teaching License.

 

In what ways am I supported as a new teacher during my two years in the program?

• Each T2T teacher in our program is assigned a university mentor/supervisor.  The university mentor/supervisor suppports their teacher for both years of the T2T program. Classroom visits and observation reviews will be provided during this timeframe.
• You will also be supported by a building mentor within your school which is assigned by your principal.
• All T2T team members including your course instructors will support, guide and encourage you every step of the way.  

 

Can I coach or sponsor extracurricular activities while participating in the T2T program?

We highly recommend that extracurricular activities be avoided while participating in the T2T program. These activities can create additional stress while being a new teacher and keeping up with graduate level coursework. They may also cause schedule conflicts with in person and virtual T2T class sessions.

 

Once I complete the Transition to Teaching program, will my initial/professional teaching 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.