The Kansas City, Kansas Teaching Fellows program began in 2000 as a partnership between Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools, Pittsburgh State University, and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. The program was developed and facilitated in coordination with The New Teacher Project of New York to address the need for teachers in high-needs schools. As a result, the Kansas State Department of Education approved the alternative licensure program.

Between 2000 and 2010, the Kansas City Kansas Teaching Fellows program recruited high-performing individuals from non-education-related professions to teach in our KCK classrooms. We prepared and hired more than 200 teachers for the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools' elementary and secondary classrooms. With Fellows, the district could staff vacancies that long-term substitutes had filled for many years.

Previously, nearly every high school math and science department consisted almost entirely of Fellows and achievement rates rose tremendously. While the initial need was for the math and science teachers, over time, we also accepted Fellows for elementary positions and all content areas, including English, Social Studies, Spanish, Business, Fine Arts, and Family and Consumer Sciences.

Participants selected for the Fellows program completed a six-week summer institute "boot camp" experience that included teaching district summer school classes to KCK students in the morning and taking graduate-level courses in the afternoon or evening. The summer boot camp was taught by district personnel who prepared these teacher candidates for teaching in a high-needs school and meeting the needs of our students.

After an absence from the Fellows program from 2010-2015, the KCKPS Administration team determined that school districts are beginning to feel the pressure of another teacher shortage, not only in KCK but across Kansas and our nation. Therefore, KCKPS, with our Pittsburg State University partner, has re-ignited our successful KCK Teaching Fellows program for the 2016-2017 school year.

The vision of the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools, is to be one of the Top 10 School Districts in the Nation. Our goal is, "Each student will exit high school prepared for college and careers in a global society, and at every level, performance is on track and on time for success." By re-igniting the KCK Teaching Fellows program, we will be able to ensure that our students have an additional source of highly qualified teachers to reach their goals and for the KCKPS to continue the journey to becoming a Top 10 School District. In addition, exciting partnerships with other colleges and universities, teaching organizations, business representatives and community agencies will enhance our ability to support Diploma+ program initiatives that will spread throughout our school district over the next few years.

What are the minimum requirements for the program?

Applicants must have the following:

• Applicants must complete the online application, which includes a statement of purpose/cover letter, a resume, three letters of recommendation, and transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
• An undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75. We will review your application holistically if you have a GPA between 2.50 - 2.74. If you are interested in the Master of Science in Education program through Fort Hays State University or other accredited universities, it will be necessary to meet their requirements.

Are there other requirements for the pathway?

To be accepted into the program, candidates must apply to Fort Hays State University Graduate School and pass all required tests. Requirements will include, but may not be limited to, Praxis, comprehensive exams, performance portfolio, and Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT). 

What is the selection process?

Candidates are invited to Selection Day based on the acceptability of their application. Candidates should prepare to spend an entire day in a KCK school or the KCKPS Central Office & Training Center for the duration of the Selection process.

The selection process includes four parts:

1. A sample lesson taught to KCK middle school or high school students or professional educators
2. The professional discussion of an educational article with fellow applicants
3. A writing sample performed on-site
4. An individual interview

Invited applicants will receive a packet of information to guide their preparation for Selection Day.

What benefits will I receive as a teacher in the Kansas City, Kansas School District?

Teaching Fellows receive the same benefits as all other teachers. All full-time teachers receive single medical insurance coverage paid by the district. All teachers, including Teaching Fellows, will become a part of the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS). In addition, Teaching Fellows may purchase group dental and vision plans through payroll deduction. Health benefits are not covered during Summer Institute. All benefits begin at the start of the contract year.

What are the benefits of becoming a KCKPS Teaching Fellow?

New teachers need the training required by the master's program to become effective teachers in their classrooms. The master's program from Fort Hays State University enables the teacher to complete a master's degree, achieve placement at the master's level on the teacher salary schedule, and obtain eligibility for a Kansas teaching license through the Kansas State Department of Education.

Who is financially responsible for the cost of the university course work?

A philanthropic contribution from the Hall Family Foundation allows the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools to cover the cost of tuition and z-Course fees (electronic books) for the Kansas City, Kansas Teacher Fellows. The master's program through Fort Hays State University requires the completion of 36 credit hours.

I have additional questions about the program. Who do I contact?

Kim Smith, Ed.S.
Alternative Certifications Programs Advisor
Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools USD 500
(913) 279-2359
kim.smith@kckps.org

Lindsey Cegelis
Alternative Certification Program Specialist
Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools USD 500
lindsey.cegelis@kckps.org

Tanya Selectman
HR Specialist
Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools USD 500
(913) 279-2259
tanya.selectman@kckps.org

Chalita Middleton
HR Director of Secondary Education
Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools USD 500
(913) 279-2260
chalita.middleton@kckps.org

Cynthia Fulks, M.A.
Director of Recruitment
Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools USD 500
(913) 279-2364
cynthia.fulks@kckps.org