Frequently Asked Questions

1.  If a person has a degree how can they receive a teaching license?

2.  If I already have a baccalaureate degree, how many hours would it take to receive a teaching license?

3.  I received an email from the education department assigning me to an advisor. How often should I see my advisor?

4.  I have been admitted to Washburn University. Does this mean I am automatically admitted to the teacher education program?

5.  When should I apply for admission to the teacher education program?

6.  How will I know what courses to take?

7.  What should I do if I have difficulty meeting admissions requirements? 

8.  I'm nervous about standardized tests. What if I have difficulty passing the required admissions test?

9.  How do I order transcripts from other institutions?

10.  What if I want to add an endorsement to my license?

1. If a person has a degree how can they receive a teaching license? TOP

The Licensure Only Program at Washburn University is for individuals with completed baccalaureate degrees. The Elementary Licensure Program includes specific general education courses as well as professional education courses. The Secondary and All Levels Licensure Programs consist of courses in both the content area and professional education. It is necessary for each teacher licensure candidate to be formally admitted to the Professional Teacher Education Program. This includes course requirements, GPA requirements and passage of the Pre-Professionals Skills Test. Each student's program ends with a student teaching semester. The State of Kansas requires teacher candidates to take both a test in the content area in which they are seeking a license(s) as well as a second professional test, the Principles of Learning and Teaching. All licensure levels and admission requirements can be found on the Department of Education website:www.washburn.edu/cas/education. 

2. If I already have a baccalaureate degree, how many hours would it take to receive a teaching license? TOP

An analysis of one's transcript is necessary for the placement of transfer credits. We ask that you mail or fax a brief cover letter with your name and contact information (e.g. phone number/email address),area in which you are seeking teacher licensure from the approved WU programs, photocopy of your undergraduate transcript(s) to: Tara Porter, Licensure Officer, Education Department, Washburn University 1700 SW College, Topeka, KS 66621

3. I received an email from the education department assigning me to an advisor. How often should I see my advisor? TOP

You should see your assigned advisor every semester until you complete your program. Students seeking a 6-12 or P-12 license will have two advisors-an advisor in the Education Department and one for their major. These students should have frequent contact with the education advisor to make sure they are on track with education requirements for their licensure program.

4. I have been admitted to Washburn University. Does this mean I am automatically admitted to the teacher education program? TOP

No. Students must meet specific exam, course, and grade point average requirements in order to be admitted to the teacher education program. Admissions requirements can be seen here or on a sheet from the department office.

5. When should I apply for admission to the teacher education program? TOP

Generally, students who are new to Washburn and who do not have a BA or BS degree should plan to apply during or at the conclusion of their third semester at Washburn. Transfer or licensure-only students should work with their advisor to determine the best time to apply.

6. How will I know what courses to take? TOP

You should plan your program with your advisor. Additionally, suggested Program of Study sheets are available in the Department of Education office, in each department offering content for a P-12 or 6-12 teaching license, and on the Department's website.

7. What should I do if I have difficulty meeting admissions requirements? TOP

You should see your department advisor or Licensure Officer. He/she will make suggestions to you based on your particular circumstance.

8. I'm nervous about standardized tests. What if I have difficulty passing the required admissions test? TOP

Talk to your advisor or the Licensure Officer. He/she can assist you as you prepare for the exam. Students may also want to take advantage test preparation materials, as well as other supports to help successfully complete exam requirements.

9. How do I order transcripts from other institutions? TOP

Directions for Ordering Transcripts From Other Institutions 1. Request the non Washburn Institution transcript to be sent to the WU Admission’s Office. Mail to: Washburn University, Office of Admissions, 1700 SW College, Topeka, KS 66621. If possible, request that the transcript be mailed after the final official grade is posted on the non Washburn transcript. 2. Once the class has been completed and a final grade has been issued, contact the WU Admission’s Office for receipt of the mailed transcript by calling 785- 670-1030 or check your WU transcript for posting of the transfer class. 3. If the class has been previously approved for a substitution---contact the department member who approved the substitution, after the course is posted on your WU transcript, in order for the transfer class to be processed on your degree audit.

Added 10. What if I want to add an endorsement to my license?

Endorsements: Teachers who are certified or licensed to teach in Kansas may pursue a second teaching license at Washburn. Interested teachers should contact Tara Porter tara.porter@wasbhurn.edu, Licensure Officer in the Department of Education, for a review of licensure requirements and the development of plan for program completion.