What's causing the teacher shortage in Kansas?

Key drivers in Kansas: History of education funding instability and litigation creating uncertainty; Geographic isolation of western Kansas limiting candidate pool; Salaries below neighboring Colorado and Missouri in many districts; Rural population decline reducing local teacher pipeline.

Are there loan-forgiveness or signing-bonus programs for Kansas teachers in shortage areas?

Federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness (up to $17,500) covers Title I-eligible districts in subjects designated as shortage areas. Kansas also runs state-level incentives — check the state Department of Education's site for current programs. Some districts negotiate signing bonuses for hard-to-fill roles.

← Home

2026 Shortage Guide

Teacher Shortage in Kansas

Q: Is there a teacher shortage in Kansas?

Kansas is experiencing a high teacher shortage. Kansas faces a high teacher shortage with the most severe impacts in rural western and central Kansas. Years of education funding litigation and periodic budget cuts have created uncertainty that discourages teacher candidates. The Wichita metro area faces urban-specific shortages while smaller communities struggle with geographic isolation. (Source: U.S. Department of Education Teacher Shortage Areas data (2024–25); state Department of Education reports.)

Q: Which subjects are in highest demand in Kansas?

The most-needed teaching specialties in Kansas include Special Education, Mathematics, Science, Rural Elementary, Foreign Language. Special Education: Statewide shortage; rural western Kansas districts face near-critical levels Mathematics: Secondary math vacancies increasing particularly in rural and small-town districts Science: Physics and Chemistry teachers chronically scarce in non-metro districts Rural Elementary: Small rural districts struggle to attract candidates to geographically isolated positions Foreign Language: Spanish and other world language teachers in short supply, particularly in western Kansas

1,959 open teaching positions in Kansas right now — districts are actively hiring.

High ShortageOverall Severity

5In-Demand Subject Areas

1,959Open Positions

Browse Kansas Teaching Jobs All Kansas Job Categories

Kansas Teacher Shortage Overview

Kansas faces a high teacher shortage with the most severe impacts in rural western and central Kansas. Years of education funding litigation and periodic budget cuts have created uncertainty that discourages teacher candidates. The Wichita metro area faces urban-specific shortages while smaller communities struggle with geographic isolation.

Most In-Demand Teaching Roles in Kansas

These subject areas have the most critical teacher shortages in Kansas. Candidates in these fields have strong hiring prospects and negotiating leverage.

Special EducationStatewide shortage; rural western Kansas districts face near-critical levels

MathematicsSecondary math vacancies increasing particularly in rural and small-town districts

SciencePhysics and Chemistry teachers chronically scarce in non-metro districts

Rural ElementarySmall rural districts struggle to attract candidates to geographically isolated positions

Foreign LanguageSpanish and other world language teachers in short supply, particularly in western Kansas

Why There's a Teacher Shortage in Kansas

Several factors contribute to the current teacher shortage situation in Kansas.

History of education funding instability and litigation creating uncertainty
Geographic isolation of western Kansas limiting candidate pool
Salaries below neighboring Colorado and Missouri in many districts
Rural population decline reducing local teacher pipeline

What This Means for Job Seekers

Kansas has restored education funding following court-ordered investments. Rural districts offer Kansas Leads the World in Education rural stipend programs and affordable housing. Wichita Unified and Johnson County suburban districts offer competitive salaries. The state's central location, low cost of living, and outdoor recreation opportunities are real advantages for candidates.

Browse Open Positions in Kansas Explore Job Categories

Top Hiring Districts in Kansas

These districts currently have the most open teaching positions on EduJobsBoard and are actively recruiting teachers.

Lincoln150 open positions Topeka Public Schools122 open positions Maize115 open positions Independence111 open positions Salina88 open positions Lawrence81 open positions Manhattan-Ogden64 open positions De Soto57 open positions

1,959 total open positions across Kansas school districts.

Browse All Kansas Teaching Jobs

More Resources for Kansas Teachers

Before you apply, learn what you can expect to earn and what credentials you'll need to teach in Kansas.

Kansas Salary Guide → Kansas Certification Guide →

Ready to apply?

Browse current teaching positions in Kansas — apply directly on district sites.

View Kansas jobs → Browse by subject

Data sources: U.S. Department of Education Teacher Shortage Areas data (2024–25); state Department of Education reports. Shortage designations and subject area data reflect conditions as of the 2024–25 school year and are subject to change. For the most current shortage listings, consult the U.S. Department of Education Teacher Shortage Area database or the Kansas Department of Education.