Wichita State University, WSU Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech) and Wichita Public Schools (WPS) have announced a new partnership designed to strengthen the region’s teacher workforce through the launch of the Future Teacher Academy and a 2+2 pathway program.

This innovative partnership offers WPS graduates a seamless route to earn their teaching licensure. Students will complete two years at WSU Tech in the paraeducator program, then transfer to Wichita State for two additional years, all while gaining hands-on experience as paraeducators in local classrooms.

“Developing a strong, local teacher workforce is critical to the future of our region,” President Rick Muma said. “Through this partnership, we’re investing in students who will have a lasting impact on the future success of our schools and our community.”

The program’s design addresses two urgent needs: expanding the pool of qualified teachers in Wichita and creating meaningful, paid applied learning experiences for students.

“The program will benefit local schools by creating a pipeline of WPS graduates who become highly skilled educators,” said Dr. Jennifer Friend, dean of College of Applied Studies. “Local candidates are more likely to stay and teach within the community, helping address shortages in elementary and special education.”

• Teacher Pathway Program: Launching in fall 2025, this initiative creates a clear and accessible pathway for students (including graduating high school seniors and adult learners) to start in WSU Tech’s Associate of Applied Science in Paraeducator program and seamlessly continue into WSU’s elementary education program with only two years required to complete a bachelor’s degree and earn full teacher licensure.

• Kansas Promise Scholarship: The Kansas Promise Scholarship, provided by the State of Kansas, allows eligible students to complete the WSU Tech paraeducator program tuition-free, removing financial barriers and opening doors to a teaching career.

• Pre-Service Teacher Employment: While enrolled, students will work as paraeducators in WPS, earning income and gaining real-world classroom experience.

“This is a powerful example of what happens when education systems work together to meet workforce needs,” said Dr. Sheree Utash, president of WSU Tech. “By beginning as paraeducators, these students gain valuable real-world experience while building strong connections within Wichita classrooms. With this pathway, we are preparing future teachers and investing in a pipeline of professionals who are already rooted in and committed to the communities they will serve.”

“Wichita Public Schools is excited to partner and collaborate with WSU and WSU Tech to develop the next generation of future teachers,” said Kelly Bielefeld, Wichita Public Schools Superintendent. “By offering a direct pathway for high school students to become highly qualified educators, we’re not only addressing the teacher shortage but also ensuring our future teachers contribute to the long-term success of our district.”

• Future Teacher Academy: wichita.edu/wsu-wps
• WSU Tech Paraeducator Program: wsutech.edu/paraeducator

Wichita State University is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 23,000 students between its main campus and the WSU Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech), including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student-centered and innovation-driven.

Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Wichita State University provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students. The National Science Foundation ranked WSU No. 1 in the nation for aerospace engineering R&D, No. 2 for industry-funded engineering R&D and No. 8 overall for engineering R&D.

The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the Wichita State University main campus, is one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.

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