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Master of Science in Education: Elementary Education Transition to Teaching (Elementary T2T)

This graduate-level teacher licensure program offers two pathways for individuals seeking licensure as elementary teachers (PreK–6). The program is an accelerated, 12-month pathway that prepares candidates for elementary classroom teaching while completing a graduate degree.

The program is appropriate for:

  1. Individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field (regardless of major) and wish to transition into the teaching profession; or
  2. Currently licensed teachers who hold a teaching license in a field other than elementary education (e.g., Early Childhood Education, Special Education, or Secondary Education) and wish to add an Elementary Education (PreK–6) endorsement.

Through one year of graduate coursework, candidates earn both a Kansas Elementary Education (PreK–6) teaching license and a Master of Science in Education degree.

Candidates may also choose to add a provisional endorsement in PreK–12 High Incidence Special Education by completing one additional summer semester of coursework. This option allows students to earn dual credentials—a Kansas Elementary Education (PreK–6) license and a PreK–12 High Incidence Special Education provisional endorsement—while completing the program in approximately 14 months.

                         

Admission Requirements for MSE Elementary Transition to Teaching / MSE Elementary Education (PreK-6) 

General Admission Requirements:

  • Two letters of recommendation from people who can comment on your potential to be an effective PreK-6 educator. 
  • A written statement (of at least 250 words) that describes your professional reasons and motivation for pursuing PreK-6 licensure, which includes examples of the qualities and characteristics that will make you an effective educator. This statement should also reflect your ability to write and construct a narrative at the graduate level.
  • A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75.  
  • A grade of B or better in English Composition II and Speech/Oral Communication.
  • A grade of C or better in a college-level math course. 
  • Completed Admission Criteria Acknowledgement form.
  • Completed Program Expectations form.
  • In addition to overall GPA, students’ previous undergraduate academic performance will be evaluated.
  • A consistent and successful academic history at the undergraduate level that demonstrates the student can successfully pursue education-related coursework at the graduate level and pass licensure exams. This undergraduate coursework should include natural/physical sciences, humanities, and social/behavioral sciences courses.
  • Please note: Candidates must meet the undergraduate requirements. Previous graduate performance and/or degrees will not be considered. Students who were placed on FHSU TE Program probation or received a disposition violation (such as plagiarism) at FHSU, are not qualified. Additionally, students who were previously removed from either the MSE Elementary or MSE Secondary program at FHSU must wait a minimum of 12 months from their last enrolled semester to re-apply to either of these programs. Re-application does not guarantee program acceptance. Students who are re-admitted will be placed on probation for the duration of their program.

MSE Elementary Transition to Teaching candidates much fulfill the following expectations during the TEEL 870 Mentoring Seminar:

  • Provide verification of completing a national background check that must be conducted after admission into the MSE program.
  • Provide verification of a negative tuberculosis (TB) skin test that must be completed after admission into the MSE program. Most TB skin tests take three days to complete.
  • Provide verification of professional liability insurance.

Program Summaries

The Master of Science in Education (MSE) in Elementary Education offers two pathways/options to Kansas Elementary Education (PreK–6) licensure, with the option to add a provisional endorsement in PreK–12 High Incidence Special Education. The program offers multiple start dates each year, including summer, fall, and spring. For an overview of coursework and the recommended course sequence, please refer to the summer start schedule below.

Both pathways provide candidates with the opportunity to obtain a Limited Elementary Residency Program (LERP) license while completing program and licensure requirements, if offered a teaching position. However, a teaching position is not required for admission to the program.

Option 1: Elementary Transition to Teaching (T2T)

This pathway allows candidates to begin teaching full-time in a Kansas-licensed elementary school while completing program requirements. After completing the preliminary semester, candidates may obtain a Limited Elementary Residency Program (LERP) license, which authorizes them to serve as the teacher of record in a PreK–6 general education classroom while completing their coursework if offered a general education elementary teaching position.

To receive the LERP license, candidates must secure a teaching position and submit a signed Intent to Hire form from their hiring or sponsoring school district. However, a teaching position IS NOT REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE in this program.

Option 2: Elementary Education

This pathway is designed for currently licensed teachers who hold a teaching license in an area other than elementary education (e.g., Early Childhood, Secondary Education, or Special Education) and wish to add the Kansas Elementary Education (PreK–6) endorsement to their existing license.

This option provides a streamlined pathway for licensed teachers to expand their instructional expertise and career opportunities within the elementary setting.

How to Apply

To begin the application process, visit the FHSU Graduate School Admissions webpage for detailed instructions and access to the online application. Although the program does not have a formal application deadline, all materials must be submitted and fully processed in Workday at least two weeks prior to the start of the intended semester to ensure timely registration.

Contact Information
For program-specific questions regarding the MSE (Elementary) pathways, please contact:
Dr. Valerie Zelenka
Department of Teacher Education
vlzelenka@fhsu.edu, 785-628-4688 or Teacher Education Office, 785-628-4204

For general inquiries about the graduate admission process or the graduate application, please contact:
FHSU Graduate School
Graduate School webpage
785-628-4236

For details regarding licensure requirements and disclosures, please refer to the Licensure Disclosure link provided above.

How to Reach Us

Department of Teacher Education
Fort Hays State University
600 Park Street
Rarick Hall 286
Phone: 785-628-4204
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