Initial Program Admissions
Getting Started
Students pursuing an initial teaching license through Fort Hays State University must complete two admission processes during their program:
Teacher Education Admission: Students apply for admission to the Teacher Education program and meet the admission requirements before enrolling in restricted professional education courses.
Student Teaching Admission: Students apply separately for admission to Student Teaching as they approach the completion of their content, professional education, and teaching methods coursework
Teacher Education Admission
Students must meet all Teacher Education admission requirements before enrolling in designated professional education courses.
- Teacher Education Admission Requirements
- Printable Teacher Education Admission Requirement Checklist
Teacher Education Application Deadlines
The following dates are priority deadlines. Applications submitted by the priority deadline will be reviewed before the student's enrollment period begins for the upcoming semester.
Applications submitted after the priority deadline will still be accepted and reviewed.
| Admission Term | Application Opens | Priority Deadline |
| Summer/Fall | January 1 | February 15 |
| Spring | August 1 | September 15 |
Teacher Education Application Links
- Teacher Education Admission Application
- Teacher Education Admission Application for Previously Licensed Teachers (Available year-round)
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Student Teaching Admission
Students must apply for admission to Student Teaching before their intended student teaching semester.
Student Teaching Application Deadlines
Student Teaching application deadlines are firm. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted without approval from the Director of Field Experiences.
If you are unsure which semester you will be eligible to student teach, please contact your assigned Professional Advisor.
| Student Teaching Semester | Application Opens | Application Deadline |
| Fall | January 1 | February 15 |
| Spring | August 1 | September 15 |
Student Teaching Applications
Application for Student Teaching
- Available through ELC (Experience Learning Cloud).
- Applications must be submitted by the published deadline.
Application for Substitution of Practicum for Student Teaching
- Application for Substitution of Practicum for Student Teaching
- Applications are accepted year-round.
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Other Forms & Information
- Roadmap to Undergraduate Teacher Licensure
- Instructions for Completing a Validity Screening Solutions Background Check
- Deficiency Appeal Application
- Application for Reinstatement to Teacher Education Courses
Out-of-State Field Experiences
Students who plan to complete field experiences, including internships or student teaching, outside Kansas are responsible for contacting the appropriate state department of education and anticipated school site to determine whether additional requirements apply.
Failure to verify and meet these requirements before beginning a field experience may result in having to repeat the experience.
Licensure in Other States
Please review the information provided under the "Licensure in Other States" heading on the Licensure web page.
Council on Preparation of Teachers and School Personnel (COPTSP)
The Council on Preparation of Teachers and School Personnel (COPTSP) reviews and approves admission to the Teacher Education program and Student Teaching. The Council also reviews petitions for exceptions to established policies and provides recommendations regarding teacher education policies and licensure requirements.
COPTSP meets monthly during the academic year (August–May).
Professional Teacher Education Program Policies - Undergraduate Level Programs