Educate Kansas

08/22/2026

Recognition is a great way to retain great educators!

Kansas Horizon Award Applications Are Open!

The Kansas Horizon Award Program honors exceptional first-year educators across Kansas for their dedication, strong teaching skills, and commitment to student success.

Application deadline is October 9, 2026.

Apply now: https://buff.ly/QCoLyyn

08/18/2026

We’re excited to welcome our amazing Kansas educators and all school staff back for the 2026–2027 school year! Here’s to a year filled with growth, success, and joy. Thank you for the dedication, enthusiasm, and passion you bring to learning and to your students each day.

08/15/2026

Thinking about earning your Reading Specialist license? Now is the time!

Under the Blueprint for Literacy (HB 2485), elementary school buildings will be required to have a licensed Reading Specialist beginning in the 2029–30 school year.

Three Kansas universities are enrolling now in Reading Specialist programs, with scholarship funding available to support educators pursuing licensure.

Scholarships of $1,400 per semester for five semesters, with a maximum cumulative award of $7,000 per educator, are available at Newman University, Washburn University, and Wichita State University.

Learn more about Reading Specialist scholarships: https://kansasregents.gov/about/kansas-blueprint-for-literacy/reading-specialist-scholarships

08/11/2026

The Kansas Future Teacher Academy is excited to welcome aspiring educators to our upcoming FREE Day Academies!

Current high school seniors, juniors, & sophomores interested in pursuing a career in education are invited to join us to learn more about the teaching profession & leave inspired to take the next steps in their educational journey.

With 5 locations across the state, there’s an option that makes it easy to join us! Sign up now: https://na2.hubs.ly/H076VGy0

08/10/2026

🎉 Congratulations to the 2026 Teaching Scholarship recipients!

While at the Great Ideas in Education Conference, the Kansas State Department of Education & Educate Kansas proudly recognized future educators who have demonstrated a passion for teaching & a commitment to serving Kansas students.

These scholarships were created to encourage & support aspiring teachers preparing to enter high-need teaching fields—helping strengthen the future educator workforce across our state.

Please join us in congratulating these outstanding future educators as they begin their journey to make a lasting impact in Kansas classrooms! 🍎📚

08/07/2026

Congratulations, MaryDawn Hawkinson on your achievement! Click to read more about her journey👉 https://na2.hubs.ly/H073Jw00 Kansas State Department of Education ANW Special Education Interlocal #603

07/28/2026

Career Fair Opportunity: AAEE in Kansas City on October 19, 2026, for the Annual Education Career Fair (4:00–6:30 p.m.), followed by the 2026 Annual Conference.

Connect with district HR leaders, university recruiters, and educator prep partners to share best practices in recruitment, preparation, and retention. Learn more and register: https://na2.hubs.ly/H06CM8z0

07/20/2026

This year’s AAEE conference is right next door! Join education, HR, recruitment, & talent management professionals in Kansas City this October for meaningful conversations & practical strategies to strengthen educator pipelines.

Breakout sessions will explore recruitment, retention & well-being, innovation & AI, leadership, & professional growth, plus an Education Career Fair on Oct. 19.

Learn more and register: https://na2.hubs.ly/H06CX3q0

07/16/2026

Teamwork makes the dream work! Thank you to all the amazing volunteers that not only make our Epic Educators Conference happen, but make it fun and welcoming! We appreciate you and we are so grateful for your continuing partnership! Nancy Bosse Smith Debbie Mack Shaffer Mallory Jacobs Joely Hackmann Kansas NEA

07/16/2026

Another busy afternoon filled with wonderful breakout sessions! Thank you to all who come and help others grow! You are amazing! Mallory Jacobs Nancy Bosse Smith Ronnie Williams Kansas NEA