Marina
Kansas schools are struggling to fill special education classrooms. To address the critical need, Kansas State University (K-State) has launched a new pathway in its Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) focused on Unified Elementary & Special Education (K–6).
This is a streamlined route for career-changers to become licensed teachers and address the shortage of special-education professionals.
What’s new at K-State
K-State’s College of Education added a Unified Elementary & Special Education (K–6) option to the MAT.
It is designed for people who already hold a bachelor’s degree in any field and want to transition into teaching with initial Kansas licensure in both elementary and special education.
Depending on the track, candidates can finish in as little as 16 months (license-seeking track) or follow an 18-month practitioner track. Courses are online and flexible, and all students enjoy in-state tuition rates regardless of residence.
Scholarships & affordability
To make the program more accessible, K-State is offering a $1,000 renewable Unified Elementary & Special Education Scholarship for the Spring/Summer 2026 cohort (for Kansas residents).
The College is also promoting a $3,000 Pathway to Teaching Scholarship, which can stack with other state aid—helping Kansans change careers without carrying a full tuition burden.
Why Kansas needs this
Kansas has faced a persistent teacher shortage, with special-education roles among the hardest to fill. Recent state data showed nearly 2,000 open teaching positions at one point, underscoring the challenge districts face.
Programs like K-State’s MAT help districts hire and retain qualified educators who are prepared for inclusive classrooms and specialized teaching roles.
Key features at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | Master of Arts in Teaching — Unified Elementary & Special Education (K–6) |
| Duration | 16–18 months (depending on track) |
| Format | Fully online, flexible schedule, plus a local student-teaching placement |
| Licensure | Kansas Initial Teaching License in Elementary & Special Education (K–6) |
| Who it’s for | Career-changers with a bachelor’s degree in any field |
| Tuition | In-state rate for all students |
| Scholarships | $1,000 Unified Scholarship (renewable) + $3,000 Pathway to Teaching Scholarship |
| Next step/Info Session | Informational webinar scheduled for Nov. 19 for prospective students |
How the program prepares teachers
The MAT emphasizes Universal Design for Learning (UDL), data-based individualization, intensive intervention in areas like reading and math (including dyslexia and dyscalculia support), and social-emotional learning.
Graduates will earn a master’s degree plus initial licensure, making them immediately employable in elementary and special-education roles across Kansas.
What’s next (important dates)
K-State is hosting an informational webinar on Nov. 19 that will explain admissions, timelines, and financial-aid options for the Unified MAT.
Prospective students can learn how the practitioner and license-seeking tracks work, and how to line up their local internship or student-teaching placements.
Why this could move the needle
By combining fast licensure, online flexibility, and targeted scholarships, the K-State Unified MAT lowers barriers for qualified adults to enter teaching—precisely in the area Kansas needs most: special education.
With school districts recruiting year-round, these graduates can step into high-demand roles and help stabilize services for students with disabilities in inclusive settings.
Kansas urgently needs certified special-education teachers, and K-State’s Unified MAT is a timely and realistic solution.
With online flexibility, a fast pathway to licensure, and stackable scholarships, the program offers a viable route for qualified Kansans to move from career interest into real classroom impact.
Graduates will be ready to step into inclusive and special-education roles, supporting students who need it most, and helping districts fill their most critical staffing gaps.