Become a Teacher — Teach in KCK

Kansas City, Kansas Fellows Program

Contact:
Alternative Certification and Induction
625 Minnesota Avenue
Kansas City, Kansas 66101
(913) 279-2094
(913) 551-3219 FAX

The Mission

The mission of KCK Fellows program is to increase the number of outstanding individuals who become secondary teachers in our school district. We are particularly seeking individuals for middle or high school science, mathematics, and English, but we sometimes have openings in the areas of Spanish and business as well. Although degrees in sociology, psychology, criminal justice, counseling and communications lend themselves as excellent teachers, they do not contain the state requirements for content subjects. Degrees in social studies and physical education are not highly needed areas because they can be filled by certified applicants. Because we seek to identify individuals who will work relentlessly to ensure that all students will meet high academic standards, the process is selective in nature.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, applicants need a minimum of a bachelor's degree with a major in the content area (math, science, Spanish, English, etc.) and have a minimum GPA of 2.50 (on a 4.0 scale) and a GPA of 2.75 in their field to be admitted to the program. Above all, applicants should have a strong desire to be part of a significant effort to expand educational opportunity and excellence in the urban secondary school environment. Individuals who meet the above requirements and who are bi-lingual or fluent in Spanish are in high demand.

The Process

Applications will be prescreened for eligibility to teach in a shortage area and GPA requirements.The best candidates will be selected for an interview. The interview day will consist of a discussion group, a one-on-one interview, a short teaching lesson, and a written scenario response. Based on the applicant's performance and the needs of the district, applicants are recommended for the program and participate in two days of classroom observations.

The Next Step

Once you have submitted an application, you will need to attend the upcoming informational meeting. There will be vital information presented about the program and the school district. Representatives from KCKPS and PSU will be available for questions after the presentation. Attendance is required to be considered for an interview. The next information session will be held on October 21st at 6:30 p.m. The location will be Kansas City Kansas Community College, 7250 State Ave (zip code 66112), in Room 2705.

Training

Upon acceptance into the program, all Fellows will enroll in Pittsburg State University's program of study leading to teacher certification. Fellows attend a summer institute that consists of seven weeks of intensive pre-service training from late May to mid July that includes:

• Practice teaching during summer school under the guidance of a mentor teacher
• Seminars and professional development activities on the theories and practices of teaching
• Workshops covering subject-specific information
• On-site guidance from experienced teachers
• Discussion and activities around the challenges and best practices regarding teaching in an urban environment
• Receive 9 hours of graduate credit from Pittsburg State University.

During the summer institute, Fellows will be assigned a placement in the Kansas City, Kansas School District. Placements will be determined by the qualifications of the applicant and the needs of the district. Fellows begin teaching in their own classroom in August. Like all beginning teachers in the district, they will be supported through the district's induction program. This program pairs new teachers with mentor teachers and provides additional support during the first two years of teaching. All teachers in Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools (KCKPS) also receive staff development weekly on Wednesday afternoons during Early Release time. Fellows will teach full-time under a restricted teaching license while working toward their Master's degree in Teaching from Pittsburg State University, attending classes with their cohort. Upon completion of the program, Fellows will have their Master of Arts in Teaching and will apply for their Conditional Kansas teaching license. It is our hope that the Fellows will want to continue teaching in our district for many years to come.

Compensation

A stipend of up to $1,500 will be paid by the school district to each Fellow who has not been previously employed by the district to cover transitional expenses during the Summer Training Institute. Please note that this stipend is taxed and is usually paid in three installments. Once the school year begins, individuals will receive a first year's teacher's salary ($38,500 for the 2008-2009 school year.) The Fellows' salary increases as they obtain additional hours toward their Master's degree. Once the Master's degree is obtained, Fellows are paid at the Master's level. Other benefits that begin in the fall of the first year of teaching include sick leave, 2 personal days, health insurance and participation in the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System. Additional benefits, such as group dental and vision plans, are available for purchase.

Tuition

Fellows are responsible for payment of their tuition to Pittsburg State University. Fellows may qualify for student loan forgiveness for those having specific kinds of NDSL, Perkins, and Stafford loans. We encourage you to visit http://www.studentaid.ed.gov/ to determine your eligibility. Fellows may also contact the financial aid offices at Pittsburg State University, to inquire about financial aid possibilities at 620-235-4240. In the past, the Kansas City Kansas Public Schools has partnered with the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation to fund a Tuition Reimbursement Program for individuals who are willing to commitment to 2 additional years of teaching (for a total of 4 years) in the Kansas City Kansas Public Schools. If funding continues, we will offer a Tuition Reimbursement program for Fellows beginning the 2009-2010 school year; however, we cannot guarantee that there will be a reimbursement program for those Fellows.

Results

Kansas City Kansas Public Schools has seven years of success in placing Fellows through an alternative certification program. The first group of fellows began teaching during the 2001-2002 school year. To date, approximately 150 Fellows are teaching in the district.

Still have questions? Visit our FAQ page.

To apply now go to the application instructions page.

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