K-State Offers $3,000 Pathway to Teaching Scholarship to Address Kansas Teacher Shortage

Kansas State University’s College of Education is offering a new $3,000 Pathway to Teaching Scholarship to help Kansans change careers and address the state’s teacher shortage.

The scholarship is available to Kansas residents admitted to K-State’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program, a fully online, nationally ranked degree designed for flexibility. Students can earn course credits and a paycheck while completing the program.

A webinar about the scholarship and MAT program for career changers is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 30. Interested individuals with a non-education bachelor’s degree can register now.

The $3,000 scholarship can be combined with other financial aid, like the Kansas Teacher Service Scholarship, which offers up to $6,600 annually for those committing to underserved areas. Professor Tom Vontz, MAT program director, said the new scholarship makes it an ideal time to enter the profession.

K-State’s MAT program also offers a practitioner track, letting students teach locally while completing their degree. Dean Debbie Mercer emphasized the importance of supporting adult learners entering education. The need is urgent: Kansas reported 1,954 teacher vacancies in October 2024, an 8% increase. High-need areas include elementary education, special education, English, math, and science, especially in Wichita, Topeka, Kansas City, and rural districts.

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