In this edition ...

As Kansas children are returning to the classroom for the start of the 2025-26 academic year, the Kansas Commissioner of Education has a message for educators:  

“We’ve got to be so intentional,” Dr. Randy Watson said. “When the kids walk in, we all have to execute at a high level.  If anyone can get this work done, we can do it in Kansas.”  

A group of 20 Topeka USD 501 high school students recently made significant strides toward becoming teachers by officially committing to the Kansas Youth Teacher Apprenticeship Program on Aug. 15. 

In this episode of the KSDE Insight Podcast, Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson talks with two school leaders about the importance of academic rigor—and why challenging coursework is essential to helping students grow, adapt, and succeed in an ever-changing world. 

The KSDE teacher licensure team is conducting Fall Vacancy Report (FVR) virtual trainings in August and September.