Kansas Initial School Counselor Certification
AKA: Initial School Specialist License
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To become a school counselor in Kansas, one must navigate a rigorous certification process. This isn’t merely a bureaucratic hurdle, but a testament to the critical role school counselors play in shaping young lives. The initial step towards this esteemed profession is obtaining the Initial School Specialist License (see Kansas Admin Code’s specific license requirements). This certification is a badge of honor, a marker of both academic prowess and practical experience.
To earn this license, one must possess a master’s degree in school counseling from an accredited institution. Beyond academic qualifications, candidates must complete additional field experiences, immersing themselves in real-world settings to hone their craft. The final hurdle is a state board-approved school counselor assessment, a rigorous test designed to evaluate their readiness to take on the challenges and rewards of the profession.
Applicants must hold a master’s degree in school counseling from an accredited institution of higher education. All see all schools hosting school counseling degree programs in Kansas.
Additional requirements related to the applicants master’s program:
For those seeking a school counselor endorsement, additional requirements include either a currently valid initial teaching license or professional teaching license OR successful completion of additional field experiences during the approved program.
Tips:
Applicants should carefully document and provide evidence of their relevant experience or coursework to meet this requirement during the application process. The purpose of this requirement is to ensure that applicants have practical experience or additional academic training that complements their graduate education and prepares them for the responsibilities associated with the school counselor role.
To qualify for this license, applicants must complete a content knowledge assessment. The assessments are administered by the Educational Testing Services (ETS) as part of the ETS Praxis II Series for teaching or school specialist tests.
Exemptions from the tests are available for:
A background check is required for certification to ensure the safety and suitability of individuals seeking licensure, especially in professions involving education, such as teaching and school counseling. It helps identify any criminal history, ensuring that educators meet ethical and legal standards in their interactions with students and the community.
To meet the background check requirements for certification in Kansas, individuals must submit fingerprints through Live Scan (KSDE Code – 902KS1600) or using the Kansas Preformatted Card (FBI, FD 258). There is a $50 fingerprint processing fee associated with the background check.
Here’s a brief overview of the requirements for each method:
1. Live Scan Fingerprinting (in Kansas):
2. Fingerprinting (in Kansas without Live Scan):
3. Fingerprinting (outside Kansas):
It’s essential to separate the $50 background fee from the license application fee and follow specific instructions to ensure a smooth process. The fees cover the cost of the background check conducted by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI).
You may submit materials for criminal background checks to the Kansas State Department of Education at KSDE, Attention: Teacher Licensure, 900 S.W. Jackson Street, Suite 102, Topeka, KS 66612-1212. For inquiries related to licensure, you can contact the Licensure Operator at TLALicense@ksde.org or call (785) 296-2288.
Applicants will need to adhere to the specified guidelines (see application instructions here) and provide accurate information in the online application forms, ensuring completeness and attention to detail for a smooth and efficient processing of your application.
1. Access the Application Form:
2. Create a User Name and Password:
3. Log in and Access the Application Form:
4. Fill in the Form and Submit:
5. Application Fees & Payment:
6. Complete Application Materials:
7. Submit Your Application:
Additional Assistance: