Topeka, KS – Four local school districts serving Topeka and Shawnee County have partnered with Educate Kansas to offer competitive resources and support to educators and other school staff members. Together, they are the first to collaborate and launch #Inspired2Teach — an initiative to both inspire and hire educators.

“We know how important high-quality educators are to our students, families, and, ultimately, our community,” reports Cris Seidel, Director of Educate Kansas, the KSDE teacher recruitment and retention project. “Our mission is helping teachers find their best fit in Kansas and helping districts find highly qualified and motivated educators.”

“Teachers make a profound impact in the lives of students,” said Seidel. “But even now, many school districts are facing educator shortages. With approximately a half-million students across Kansas, it’s imperative we support schools and educators both. Where will those students be without high-quality educators?”

Dr. Scott McWilliams, Superintendent of Auburn-Washburn USD 437, emphasizes the importance of public educators.  “Having qualified and dedicated public education teachers is essential for meeting the future needs of all industries. Teachers provide students with a strong foundation of knowledge and skills that are essential for success in any field. In a world where technology is constantly evolving, and industries are rapidly changing,  public education teachers serve as a critical link between education and the workforce.”

The #Inspired2Teach partnership allows school districts to pool their resources and expertise toward a common goal of ensuring that students receive the best education possible.

Tiffanie Kinsch, USD 450 Communication Director, believes this collaboration will significantly impact the success of the schools and communities they serve. “We are thrilled to announce our collaboration with Educate Kansas and our neighboring school districts in our ongoing efforts to enhance the recruitment and retention of highly qualified educators.”

Educate Kansas offers valuable resources on its website, educatekansas.org, including open job listings, information on obtaining a teaching license, and real stories from real educators who have positively impacted their students.

“We recognize there are many challenges to becoming a teacher, and we want to make it as easy as possible for those interested in pursuing this rewarding career path,” said Seidel. “Our website is designed to streamline the process and provide support every step of the way.”

Many school districts are utilizing the Educate Kansas platform to highlight unique assets of their school districts and communities through videos and visuals.

Brad Wilson, Superintendent of Seaman Schools, sees the value in partnering with would-be competitors to attract hires who are the best fit. “Seaman School District is committed to supporting our teachers and staff throughout their careers. Partnering with Educate Kansas allows us to broaden that support even before they join our team. With promotional materials and infographics from Educate Kansas, prospective teachers can get a feel for the unique elements of each district, helping them find the right fit— because when you join a school district, you join a family, and we want you to feel right at home.”

Dr. Tiffany Anderson, Superintendent of Topeka Public Schools and 2023 Woman Superintendent School Leadership Award winner believes that an investment in educators is an investment in the future. “Through our partnership with Educate Kansas, we are providing resources to educators as they enter a profession that will transform communities and improve the lives of future generations. Kansas leads the way in innovation and in educational excellence as a result of the many distinguished school communities like Topeka Public Schools who focus on serving the whole child by recruiting and supporting outstanding educators into such a noble profession.”

To learn more about each of these school districts, visit educatekansas.org or go directly to their district websites for job openings.

“We are committed to inspiring the next generation of educators by highlighting the positive impact they have on students and providing resources for those interested in pursuing a career in education,” said Cris Seidel, Program Director.  “Kansas has always been a leader in the education world; we’re committed to elevating the profession by working with a unified group of key partners who are passionate about education and want to make a difference across Kansas.”

To find out more about the mission to make the Sunflower State even brighter, please visit educatekansas.org. Don’t forget to share the name of a teacher who has inspired you at educatekansas.org.

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