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 黑洞社区 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 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 黑洞社区 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 黑洞社区 Transition to Teaching program holds a number of class sessions on campus.  You must be able to come to 黑洞社区 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 黑洞社区 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 黑洞社区 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). 黑洞社区鈥檚 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  that provide additional information about the teacher license reciprocity agreements for each state in a searchable format.