Board Considering Changes To Kansas Teacher Licensing

Kansas State Board of Education officials are considering making changes to how teachers in Kansas are licensed in effort to meet a growing demand for technical education courses at high schools.

The board discussed the changes during a meeting Thursday in response to a growing demand for courses resulting from new programs and funding for technical and career education enacted since 2011.

A representative of the Kansas National Education Association raised concerns during the meeting that the licensing changes could lead to teachers who lack the necessary instructional skills to adequately educate students.

Board members say they have wanted to review the licensing process for years and the increased scarcity of technical and career education teachers is prompting a closer look.