KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools is hiring, and they’re looking for people who do not have a degree in education.
Through its Teaching Fellows program, an alternative certification program, leaders recruit people who have a college degree in various fields.
It's in an effort to address the teacher shortage, an issue that impacting several districts across the country.
Currently, KCKPS looks to fill about 200 positions a year. Right now, the teaching fellows bring in about 10 percent of that number. KCKPS is hoping to grow that number.
They’re looking for a wide range of people with a college degree in business, science, math, history and foreign languages.
For the past four years, they've had 65 people who have gone through the program.
Program Director, Dr. Tracey Nix says it's a way for these professionals in other fields to come back for a second career or who are looking for a career change.
"They are bringing their expertise into the classroom," Dr. Nix said. "So I think that is such a huge benefit for students because they're getting the hands on experience that they need and it's real."
To qualify, you'll need at least a 2.75 undergraduate GPA. It is an 18 month-long program.
Those who do qualify will teach full time while earning their certification or Master's degree.
KCKPS partners with Pittsburg State University to offer this program. KCKPS personnel teach the courses.
"They're actually able to teach in the classroom while they're working toward their masters degree," Dr. Nix said. "So the benefit is that we are able to support them while they're getting that hands on experience with them in the classroom - we provide them with a mentor and making sure they're getting the support they need."
KCKPS will be holding an informational session next Tuesday, Jan. 21, from 6:30-8 p.m. at the KCKPS Central Office.
For detailed criteria and requirements for the program, click here.
