OgucheIt’s very important for teachers and school administrators in Kansas to keep their professional qualifications up to date. To keep their licenses active, the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) says that all teachers must renew them every so often. Not doing so could hurt your job and professional reputation.
This complete guide will show you everything you need to know about renewing your Kansas educator license, such as who can do it, when it needs to be done, what paperwork is needed, and how to make the process go more smoothly.
What is a license to teach in Kansas?
The Kansas State Department of Education gives out Kansas educator licenses, which let people teach or serve as administrators in public and private schools that are certified in the state. These licenses are given out based on how well someone has done in school, their background checks, and their completion of teacher training programs.
In Kansas, there are different kinds of educator licenses:
First License (2 years)
License for Professionals (5 years)
Standard License (good for five years)
Accomplished License (10 years for teachers who are National Board Certified)
Depending on your experience and professional ambitions, each of these licenses has its own set of rules for renewal.
When is the best time to renew your Kansas educator license?
Most of the time, Kansas teachers need to renew their licenses every five years. Starting the renewal process at least six months before your license expires is highly recommended. You have to remember when your license expires because the KSDE doesn’t send out reminders.
You can check the date your license expires at any moment using the KSDE License Lookup function on their official website.
Requirements for Renewal
To keep your Kansas educator license, you need to take certain courses or do certain professional development activities. These change based on your current degree level and license status.
For Teachers Who Have a Bachelor’s Degree:
You need to get 160 professional development points, at least 80 of which must come from college or university classes.
For Teachers with a Master’s Degree or Higher:
You can renew with 120 professional development points, and if your degree is relevant to your endorsement or teaching assignment, you don’t have to take any college courses.
Other Common Requirements:
Fingerprinting (if you don’t already have it on file)
You need to send in your fingerprints again if they are old or you never sent them in.
Documents for Professional Development
A local professional development council must keep track of and approve all professional development activities.
How to Renew Your Kansas Teacher License: A Step-by-Step Guide
There are a few simple actions you need to follow to renew your Kansas teaching license. Here’s a quick way to accomplish it:
Step 1: Collect Professional Development Points
Make sure your PD points are logged and confirmed correctly by working with your local Professional Development Council (PDC). Things that count are:
Classes at college or university
Going to workshops about education
Making the curriculum
Helping other teachers learn or grow
Step 2: Get the necessary paperwork ready
You will usually need:
Copies of transcripts (for renewal based on coursework)
Check the PD points
Fingerprint card (if you have one)
Application form for renewal
Step 3: Fill out your renewal application online
Kansas uses the EDLEX online platform to apply for and renew licenses. You can get to it through the KSDE website.
Fill out Form 3a, which is the application to renew a Kansas license.
Pay the application fee, which is $70 as of 2025 but could change.
Upload all the papers you need
Important Note: Applications that are not complete or have missing papers may take longer to process, so check again before sending.
What Happens After You Submit?
KSDE will look at your application when you send it in. It usually takes 2 to 4 weeks to process an application, although this can change depending on the time of year and how many applications there are.
The EDLEX site lets you see how your application is doing.
Once it’s authorized, you’ll get your renewed license electronically and be able to access it online. If you ask for one, you will also get a physical copy in the mail.
Things to Avoid When Renewing Your License
To make sure the renewal goes smoothly, stay away from these typical mistakes:
1. Waiting Until the Last Minute: If you start the process early, you’ll have time to fix any problems.
2. Sending in professional development that hasn’t been approved: You need to document all of your PD activities with your local PDC and get their approval. Points that haven’t been confirmed won’t count.
3. Forgetting to Update Fingerprints: If you haven’t sent in fingerprints before, you have to do this step.
4. Incorrect or Missing Payments: Before you send in your application, always check the current cost structure.
5. Not Following Up: Be proactive by checking on the status of your application and making sure that all of your materials have been sent in.
Questions that are often asked (FAQ)
1. Is it still possible for me to teach if my license runs out?
No, you can’t legally teach in Kansas public or accredited schools after your license runs out. You have to either renew or ask for reinstatement.
2. Is it possible to renew my license if I haven’t taught in a few years?
Yes, but you still have to complete the standards for professional development or courses.
3. Is there a cost for late renewal?
There isn’t an official late charge, but it’s against the law to teach with an expired license, and if you wait too long, you may have to go through the more complicated process of reinstatement.
4. Is it possible to renew without doing professional development in another state?
Yes, as long as it has to do with your endorsement and your local PDC gives it the green light.
Last Thoughts
Getting your Kansas educator license renewed doesn’t have to be hard. You can make the renewal process go smoothly and keep inspiring children in the classroom if you plan ahead, know what you need to accomplish, and keep your paperwork in order.
If you’re not sure where to start, get in touch with your local school district’s Professional Development Council or go to the official KSDE Licensure Page.
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