WICHITA, Kan. KWCH – The ongoing teacher shortage is a pressing issue facing school districts across the country, and Kansas is no exception. The Kansas State Department of Education recently reported 1,954 open teaching positions, marking an 8 percent increase since the Spring 2024 semester.
Katie Warren, President of the United Teachers of Wichita, highlights key factors driving teachers out of the profession: low salaries, burnout, and lack of support. She notes that educators feel overwhelmed by the rising expectations placed upon them, which often extend beyond traditional teaching responsibilities. “Many teachers are leaving the profession due to these challenges,” Warren says, expressing concern over the negative perception of teaching today compared to her own experience two decades ago.
In contrast, Wichita Public Schools are experiencing a significant 51 percent decrease in teacher vacancies since Spring 2024, with only 47 open positions currently reported. Sean Hudspeth, Chief Human Resources Officer for Wichita Public Schools, attributes this decline in vacancies to staff redistributions resulting from school closures earlier this year, which pushed 383 staff members into other open positions. This restructuring led to the hiring of only 108 new teachers during the initial induction period, about a quarter of their usual recruitment.
Additionally, Wichita has implemented substantial salary increases for teachers, positioning them among the highest paid in the state. Our first-year teachers are starting at $60,000,” Warren mentions, indicating that these raises have positively impacted retention rates this past year.
Despite these improvements, Kansas as a whole continues to struggle with teacher retention. During the 2023-2024 school year, the state recorded its highest-ever number of teachers leaving the profession, totaling 1,113. Warren emphasizes the need for enhanced support for educators, who are increasingly expected to address students’ mental, emotional, and social needs alongside academic instruction.
As school districts like Wichita Public Schools strive to counteract these trends, the broader issue of teacher shortages remains a significant challenge. Both state leaders and educators recognize that ongoing support and adjustments in expectations are crucial to ensuring the sustainability of the teaching profession in Kansas.