08-05-2025
Wichita schools unite to help students become teachers more quickly
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Wichita high school students who want to teach elementary students someday have a new way to get there sooner and at less cost.
Wichita State University, WSU Tech, and Wichita Public Schools are launching the Future Teacher Academy and a 2+2 pathway program for students. It involves two years at WSU Tech in the paraeducator program, then transferring to WSU for two additional years, while gaining hands-on experience as paraeducators in USD 259 classrooms.
Sheree Utash, the president of WSU Tech, said they are offering the program to high school juniors and seniors so they can get a jump start.
'A junior, a senior in high school can finish their two-year degree and their high school diploma, and then go to the university, and they're going to have their bachelor's degree that much earlier,' she said.
Utash said the Kansas Promise Scholarship allows eligible students to have their tuition paid at WSU Tech.
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This new teacher pipeline should help fix the teacher shortage in Wichita Public Schools.
'The teacher shortage is a nationwide problem. It's not unique to Wichita Public Schools,' WPS Superintendent Kelly Bielefeld said. 'We have more vacancies in the state of Kansas than we've ever had historically, so we need creative, innovative ways and pathways for students to achieve this. We need them to be teachers. They need us to provide these models, and it really is a win-win for everybody.'
'There are more than 1,000 open positions for elementary and special education teachers across the state,' WSU Provost Dr. Monica Lounsbery said. 'This partnership removes barriers and offers students a flexible and affordable path from high school to a four-year degree and licensure.'
Key components
The Teacher Pathway Program launches this fall. It creates a clear pathway for students (including graduating high school seniors and adults) to start in WSU Tech's Associate of Applied Science in Paraeducator program and continue into WSU's elementary education program with only two years required to complete a bachelor's degree and earn full teacher licensure.
The Kansas Promise Scholarship from the State of Kansas allows students to complete the WSU Tech paraeducator program tuition-free.
Enrolled students will work as paraeducators in Wichita Public Schools, getting an income and classroom experience.
Click here to get more information about the Future Teacher Academy.
Click here to learn about the WSU Tech Paraeducator Program.
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