Northcentral Kansas

Abilene Public Schools, USD 435

District Classification: 4A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 1,000-1,499
Counties served: Dickinson County

Located at the north end of the Chisholm Trail Cattle Drive from the 1800s, the boy-hood home of the 34th President of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower, is rich with historical significance.

The 21st Century Abilene, supports for two major manufacturing business, Russell Stover Chocolate and Great Plains Manufacturing. There are also several smaller manufacturers. Other businesses include several well-known fast food and locally-owned restaurants.

The City of Abilene has a population of approximately 6,000, but its location at the crossroads of Interstate 70 and Highway 15 places it less than 20 minutes from Junction City, less than 30 minutes from Salina, less than 45 minutes to Manhattan, less than 90 minutes to Wichita and less than 2 hours from Kansas City.

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 10-19

Current Incentives for teacher candidates: Abilene has provided financial incentives for successful candidates who are needing to complete transition to teaching programs. Some hard-to-fill positions may also warrant a signing bonus which will solidify a commitment to Abilene Schools by the newly hired teacher.

District’s current salary schedule: Abilene Schools has a competitive teacher salary schedule with significant increases for additional professional learning and experience. Abilene teachers begin the 2024-2025 school year between $42,900 and $75,000.

Student Teaching Stipend:

Student Teaching Stipend Eligibility or limited to certain content/licensure areas:

District’s Mentoring Program: Abilene Schools has developed an intra-district mentor program where experienced teachers in USD #435 routinely meet with new or relatively new teachers to ensure a successful start for a long career in education.

District’s recruitment video:

Contact Info: Abilene Public Schools website

Barnes Hanover Linn, USD 223

District Classification: 1A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 500-999
Counties served: Washington County

The district has 2 high schools and 2 elementary schools. Our students excel academically and in extracurricular activities. Our families and communities are very much invested in their schools.

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 0-9

Current Incentives for teacher candidates: USD 223 offers individual health plans, comparable pay scales, coaching opportunities for some of the best teams in the state, employee incentive plans, small class sizes, excellent students, employee incentive program and a host of other opportunities.

District’s current salary schedule: Salary Schedule

Student Teaching Stipend:

Student Teaching Stipend Eligibility or limited to certain content/licensure areas:

District’s Mentoring Program: USD 223 provides a state approved mentoring program for new teachers for 2 years. This mentoring plan involves daily check-ins when desired.

District’s recruitment video:

Contact Info: Barnes Hanover Linn website

Beloit, USD 273

District Classification: 3A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 500-999
Counties served: Cloud County, Jewell County, Mitchell County, Ottawa County

Beloit Schools are a positive place to work, and the community is forward thinking. The facilities have been kept up well. Waconda Lake is just 13 miles west of Beloit if you enjoy fishing, boating, and hunting. Beloit also has several nice golf courses, one in the community and several surrounding the community within a short drive.

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 0-9

Current Incentives for teacher candidates: A competitive salary with a competitive benefit package.

District’s current salary schedule: Starting pay is $42,700

Student Teaching Stipend: No

Student Teaching Stipend Eligibility or limited to certain content/licensure areas: It is limited

District’s Mentoring Program: Our district has many several outstanding veteran teachers that are willing to help mentor young beginning teachers.

District’s recruitment video:

Contact Info:
Beloit website
cseyfert@usd273.org

Chapman, USD 473

District Classification: 4A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 1,000-1,499
Counties served: Dickinson County, Geary County

USD 473 Chapman school district consists of four elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. The district covers 550 square miles of both town and rural options. Our location is only 30 minutes away from Salina or Manhattan and right off of I-70. There is a tradition of high academics, strong fine arts programs, Nationally recognized FFA program, unique opportunities with over six school run businesses, and athletic programs competing at the state tournament in multiple programs. The district has created a preschool program that keeps students on the right track early in their educational career.

There is a mix of experienced and new teachers and an experienced administrative team to provide the support you need. Our vision is "We Do What is Best for All kids." The key mission behind this is to challenge students and create a cooperative working environment as an educator. Our teachers meet weekly in PLC's. It is not how fast students learn but that they learn. Our success comes from a daily MTSS system and providing students the tools to create growth.

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 0-9

Current Incentives for teacher candidates: Chapman helps financially for successful candidates who are needing to complete transition to teaching programs. Some positions that are difficult to fill may have the option to be given a signing bonus.

District’s current salary schedule: Step 1: $45,137

Student Teaching Stipend: No

Student Teaching Stipend Eligibility or limited to certain content/licensure areas:

District’s Mentoring Program: SD 473 works with Greenbush Learning Center to provide a system over two years to connect you to the rock star teacher in our district that will meet with you monthly if not more. We also believe in getting you to the best conferences to make connections but also providing Inservices in the district that are linked directly to our goals like standards alignment, formative assessment development, and so much more.

District’s recruitment video:

Contact Info:
Chapman website
akoster@usd473.net

Clay County Schools, USD 379

District Classification: 4A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 1,000-1,499
Counties served: Clay County

USD 379 Clay County is a county-wide school district covering 632 sq. miles and has a 4A and 1A school system located in Clay Center and Wakefield. Wakefield is a K-12 building that is located next to Milford Lake. Clay Center has four buildings that serve students in grades PK-12.
Lincoln Elementary houses grades PK-3
Garfield Elementary houses grades 4-5
CCCMS serves our middle school students in grades 6-8
CCCHS serves our 9th-12th grade students.

We have around 1300 students. About 43% of our students are eligible for free/reduced meals. Our teacher to pupil ratio is 1:13 which is ahead of the state average of 1:14.

We have 128 teachers, 400 total staff; 7 counselors; 59% of our staff have master’s degrees or higher and we are participants in the Kansas Teacher of the Year program.

We recently passed a $10.25 million bond update with an 85% approval, which shows our community is incredibly supportive of our schools.

Clay County was recently honored as the Kansas Business & Professional Women "Large Business of the Year" for the state of Kansas.

Finally, we have hired 44 teachers over the last 4 years, and we have an 80% retention rate among them. We hire great teachers and do everything we can to keep them here!

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 0-9

Current Incentives for teacher candidates: USD 379 offers a competitive salary schedule with a base of $46,063 which ranks 2nd in the region. We also offer $778 towards BCBSKS Health Insurance; beginning teacher mentor program; paid personal and sick leave; $25,000 life insurance policy; exceptional Employee Assistance Program (counseling, mental health, legal advice/forms, family resources, etc); signing bonuses; if applicable to current need of a specific program we are willing to reimburse for graduate credits earned.

District’s current salary schedule: Our base is $46,063. We allow for movement based on college credits earned and other negotiated movement as well. Salary schedule

Student Teaching Stipend: No

Student Teaching Stipend Eligibility or limited to certain content/licensure areas:

District’s Mentoring Program: USD 379 offers a two year mentoring program, with an optional third year if desired by the new teacher. The first year includes 62 hours of mentoring with one of our exceptional veteran teachers. We select the best match for you and could potentially set up two different mentors to meet your needs. Along with the mentoring in the first year, there is a series of professional learning opportunities that all first year teachers engage in throughout the school year. It is driven by research, effective methods for the classroom, and reflections from our new teachers. The favorite sessions include checking for understanding and our teacher panel.

In year two, you are assigned a mentor for 31 hours and also given the opportunity to select a personalized professional development opportunity off-site. We encourage the networking and learning that can take place outside of our walls and school day. Our teachers come back eager to share what they have learned!

If a third year of mentoring is desired, we are here to support you on that journey as well!

District’s recruitment video: Recruitment Video

Contact Info: Clay County Schools website

Clifton-Clyde, USD 224

District Classification: 1A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 499 or less
Counties served: Clay County, Cloud County, Republic County, Washington County

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: more than 50

Current Incentives for teacher candidates:

District’s current salary schedule:

Student Teaching Stipend: No

Student Teaching Stipend Eligibility or limited to certain content/licensure areas:

District’s Mentoring Program:

District’s recruitment video:

Contact Info: Clifton-Clyde website

Concordia, USD 333

District Classification: 4A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 1,000-1,499
Counties served: Cloud County, Jewell County, Mitchell County, Republic County

Concordia Public Schools, located in North Central Kansas, provide services for more than 1,100 students in Preschool through the 12th grade. Grade configuration includes: Concordia Elementary School - Grades Pre-K-4; Concordia Middle School- Grades 5-6 and Concordia Jr./Sr. High School-Grades 7-12. USD 333 is also the host district for the Learning Cooperative of North Central Kansas, which provides special education services for area school districts. Services include high quality educational opportunities, as well as a wide variety of extra-curricular offerings. The schools offer more than 30 clubs, organizations and sports for student participation, and have produced 31 National Merit Finalists.

USD 333 is committed to creating and maintaining an environment that ensures engaged learning, effective teaching, and trusting relationships so that all members of the school community reach their highest level of academic achievement.

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year:

Current Incentives for teacher candidates: USD 333 provides a competitive salary schedule based off of education and experience as well as paid time off. Our benefit package offers Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas Health, Delta Dental, Vision Care Direct, The Guardian Supplemental Insurance, a 403(b) plan with up to $75.00 per month matching and KPERS.

Teachers may be eligible for tuition reimbursement for college credits and CTE certifications.

District’s current salary schedule: Salary Schedule

Student Teaching Stipend:

Student Teaching Stipend Eligibility or limited to certain content/licensure areas:

District’s Mentoring Program:

District’s recruitment video:

Contact Info:
Concordia website
alicia.fraley@usd333.com

Ell-Saline, USD 307

District Classification: 2A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 499 or less
Counties served: Ellsworth County, Saline County

USD 307 Ell-Saline sits just West of Salina. Our Elementary School is one mile West and our Middle/High School and District Office is located 12 miles West in Brookville, Kansas. We offer a friendly learning/working environment focused on allowing teachers the flexibility and autonomy to teach to the individual needs of their students and classes. We are one-to-one chromebooks 3rd Grade through Seniors and one-to-one iPads Kindergarten to 2nd Grade. We have recently adopted new curriculum in our core classes and will continue to provide our staff with up-to-date curricula.

Our school board, community and patrons strongly support our schools and make Ell-Saline a great place to work. The Cardinal Parent-Teacher Association and the Middle/High School Booster Club help provide resources and support for many activities for our students and staff. The Cardinal Foundation is a community supported organization that provides grants to our teachers to help enhance the learning environment in their classrooms. The Brookville Community Foundation is currently working to beautify our town by remodeling our city playground, adding a splashpad for our children and building a new fire department facility to help keep our community safe. The foundation donated a new video scoreboard and sound system for our stadium just last year.

We invite you to visit with us and learn more about our small district that truly cares about our students and staff.

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 0-9

Current Incentives for teacher candidates: District Paid Health Benefit up to $600 per month. Currently our BC/BS Health Insurance is under $600 per month so there is zero cost our of pocket.

$70 per month contributed toward the district 403b program for each teacher as part of a longevity program.
Thirteen leave days accumulative to 60 days. The district does not distinguish between sick and personal days.

$1000 Employment Incentive

Teacher friendly calendar with 165 Student Days and 181 Teacher Contract Days.

District’s current salary schedule: Salary Schedule

Student Teaching Stipend:

Student Teaching Stipend Eligibility or limited to certain content/licensure areas:

District’s Mentoring Program: Our district currently provides teacher mentoring services through the Smokyhill Service Center in Salina.

District’s recruitment video:

Contact Info: Ell-Saline website

Ellsworth/Kanopolis/Geneseo, USD 327

District Classification: 3A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 500-999
Counties served: Ellsworth County, Rice County

Strong academic focus with proven practices
Personalized learning in small class settings
Expanded Career & Technical Education Pathways
Wide variety of athletic and academic extracurricular activities
Supportive Board of Education and community

The District encompasses the communities of Ellsworth, Kanopolis and Geneseo in Ellsworth and Rice Counties. It is located near the middle of the state with access to many major highways, two recreational lakes and encompasses 425 square miles. Ellsworth is a progressive and thriving small community of approximately 3,000. Patrons are involved in farming, small businesses, medical center and state prison. There are several major businesses in town with international clients.

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 0-9

Current Incentives for teacher candidates:

Portion of health insurance benefit paid by district
Option to purchase other health benefits such as dental and vision
Matching 403b retirement of $50
Paid personal and paid sick days
$25,000 Life Insurance Policy

District’s current salary schedule: $43,360 base with annual step and movement

Student Teaching Stipend: No

Student Teaching Stipend Eligibility or limited to certain content/licensure areas:

District’s Mentoring Program: The district participates in the Greenbush Mentor program. Each teacher is assigned a mentor for two years.

District’s recruitment video:

Contact Info:
Ellsworth/Kanopolis/Geneseo website
kwhetzel@usd327.org

Hays, USD 489

District Classification: 5A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 2,000 or more
Counties served: Ellis County, Rush County

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year:

Current Incentives for teacher candidates:

District’s current salary schedule:

Student Teaching Stipend:

Student Teaching Stipend Eligibility or limited to certain content/licensure areas:

District’s Mentoring Program:

District’s recruitment video:

Contact Info: Hays website

Herington, USD 487

District Classification: 2A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 499 or less
Counties served: Dickinson County, Morris County

We are a small, but might rural school district with a lot to offer! Our academic programs and other extracurricular activities are varied and strong. Our small class sizes (average of 17 per classroom) allow us to forge meaningful connections with our students and their families.

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 0-9

Current Incentives for teacher candidates: Candidates that have graduated high school from Herington, Centre, Marion, Hillsboro, or Peabody-Burns AND return to teach in the area are eligible for up to $10,000 in addition to their base pay. Herington USD 487 also pays for a single health and dental insurance policy with a $2400 deductible.

District’s current salary schedule:
BS BS+9 BS+18 BS+27 MS
1 $42,500 $42,900 $43,350 $43,850 $45,300
2 $42,750 $43,150 $43,600 $44,100 $44,700
3 $43,000 $43,400 $43,850 $44,350 $45,000

Student Teaching Stipend:

Student Teaching Stipend Eligibility or limited to certain content/licensure areas:

District’s Mentoring Program: We participate in a formal mentoring program sponsored by Greenbush Service Center. New teachers are paired with an experienced teacher and participate in the structured program provided for two full school years.

District’s recruitment video:

Contact Info:
Herington website
dbiehler@usd487.org

Pike Valley, USD 426

District Classification: 1A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 499 or less
Counties served: Republic County

Small, rural school district that serves several small communities in the surrounding area. The two main communities are Courtland (where our PreK-6 building is located) and Scandia (where our Jr/Sr High Building is located).

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 0-9

Current Incentives for teacher candidates: We pay for a full single health insurance with our district policy currently through Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Kansas. We also help transition to teaching candidates with tuition help. We have teachers that stay here a long time. We treat staff with respect and support them as they are crucial to our community.

District’s current salary schedule: Our base is $42,000.00 and we pay for a single health insurance premium.

Student Teaching Stipend: No

Student Teaching Stipend Eligibility or limited to certain content/licensure areas:

District’s Mentoring Program: We currently have a mentoring program designed and implemented through the Smoky Hill Service Center. We also have an instructional coach available to all new staff.

District’s recruitment video: Recruitment Video

Contact Info:
Pike Valley website
mgritten@pikevalley.com

Plainville, USD 270

District Classification: 2A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 499 or less
Counties served: Rooks County

USD 270 is an amazing school district in Northcentral Kansas located just 23 miles north of Hays, Kansas. The Plainville School District is a progressive district that has increased enrollment by 90 students in the last few years. This brings our enrollment to roughly 450 students in grades PreK-12. In addition, we operate three childcare facilities serving almost 50 families. The salary schedule in Plainville is the highest in the league.

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 0-9

Current Incentives for teacher candidates: We have a competitive salary, low deductible on our insurance, and an excellent school calendar.

District’s current salary schedule: Starting salary is $44,130.

Student Teaching Stipend:

Student Teaching Stipend Eligibility or limited to certain content/licensure areas:

District’s Mentoring Program: We provide a solid mentoring program for new teachers. We coordinate services through our service center, Smoky Hill.

District’s recruitment video:

Contact Info:
Plainville website
lgehring@plainville270.net

Republic County, USD 109

District Classification: 2A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 500-999
Counties served: Cloud County, Jewell County, Republic County, Washington County

USD 109 is located in the charming town of Belleville, KS, home of the Buffaloes! Belleville is located in North Central Kansas, known as "The Crossroads of America" because it's located at the intersection of two major highways, U.S. Highway 36 and four-lane U.S. Highway 81. Belleville has a Rocky Pond recreational area for fishing, boating, camping and other leisure.

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 0-9

Current Incentives for teacher candidates: The District pays for a single Health & Dental plan with $500 deductible. Employer paid Life Insurance. 403(b) Eligibility. Twelve leave days accumulative to 80 days. Comparable pay scale, coaching opportunities, and small class sizes.

District’s current salary schedule: $43,500 base salary

Student Teaching Stipend:

Student Teaching Stipend Eligibility or limited to certain content/licensure areas:

District’s Mentoring Program: USD 109 offers a comprehensive mentorship program designed to help new teachers build their skills and confidence by learning from experienced colleagues. Approved by KSDE, the program meets all licensure requirements and provides tailored mentorship lasting one to three years, depending on the teacher’s needs.

Through both formal and informal support, the program ensures that new teachers - whether new to the profession or the district - are well-equipped to navigate curriculum resources, meet district and state expectations, implement effective instructional practices, and manage daily responsibilities with ease.

District’s recruitment video:

Contact Info:
Republic County website
jsnavely@usd109.org

Rock Hills, USD 107

District Classification: 1A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 499 or less
Counties served: Jewell County

We are a rural school district nestled in Jewell County. We have a very strong agriculture presence and are the reigning State Champions in Scholars Bowl.

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 0-9

Current Incentives for teacher candidates: We have a small teacher to student ratio and pay 95% of a BCBS single plan. We pride ourselves in supporting teacher growth with a robust Professional Development budget. We have an updated Strategic Plan. Strategic Plan

District’s current salary schedule:

Student Teaching Stipend:

Student Teaching Stipend Eligibility or limited to certain content/licensure areas:

District’s Mentoring Program:
We utilize the mentoring program through Greenbush Services.

District’s recruitment video:

Contact Info: Rock Hills website

Russell County, USD 407

District Classification: 3A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 500-999
Counties served: Russell County

USD 407 serves the community of Russell and surrounding areas, providing education for students from early childhood through high school. The district is committed to creating a supportive, student-centered environment where relationships, growth, and opportunity are at the core of everything we do.

Our schools include:
Simpson Elementary School (PK-1)
Bickerdyke Elementary School (2-6)
Russell Junior-Senior High School (7-12)

USD 407 takes pride in offering a well-rounded educational experience. In addition to strong core academics, the district continues to expand opportunities in Career and Technical Education (CTE), including programs such as welding and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), with plans to grow into additional workforce-aligned pathways. We believe in preparing students not only for college, but for careers and life in our community.

We are also committed to
-Supporting staff through collaboration, professional growth, and strong leadership
-Maintaining small class sizes that allow for meaningful connections with students
-Continuously improving facilities and long-term planning to support student success
-Building a positive culture where staff feel valued, supported, and heard

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 0-9

Current Incentives for teacher candidates: USD 407 has a competitive benefits package. The district pays up to $21,684 annually for health insurance for staff. Insurance options include employee, employee and kids, employee and spouse, and family.

In addition, USD 407 matches 2% in 403b. This is an excellent opportunity to begin early planning for retirement.

The district has a tuition reimbursement program, offering $300 per course that licensed teachers enroll in and complete.

USD 407 is blessed by the Russell County Area Community Foundation's Scholarship Program, including the Joshua Scholarship. Nearly $600,000 was awarded during the 2024-2025 school year. Russell graduates can take advantage of the Joshua Scholarship up to age 30.

District’s current salary schedule: Current base: $45,991. Salary schedule

Student Teaching Stipend: Yes, The district piloted an advanced student teacher placement program and has paid base salary for qualified educators.

Student Teaching Stipend Eligibility or limited to certain content/licensure areas: It is limited, dependent on need.

District’s Mentoring Program: USD 407 utilizes Soutthwest Plains Regional Service Center

District’s recruitment video:

Contact Info:
Russell County website
jperez@usd407.org

Salina Public Schools, USD 305

District Classification: 5A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 2,000 or more
Counties served: Saline County

Our mission is to be the best place to learn and work by embracing challenges, creating belonging, fostering pride and inspiring hope. We strive every day to provide students with exceptional services and programs at every level, with a districtwide focus on making sure students are college or career ready when they graduate.
Here are a few things that make us especially proud:

*All of our elementary schools provide a caring, nurturing experience. Students’ social-emotional wellbeing is monitored and after-school and summer learning programs offer extra learning help. Each school runs a School Marathon program.

*Our middle schools help students discover unique strengths and interests, connect with peers and build the academic, social and emotional skills they need to succeed in high school and beyond. Middle school is where students begin working on their Individual Plan of Study, providing a roadmap that can lead them beyond high school graduation.

*Both Central and South high schools offer experiences that build community and support success. Opportunities to earn college credit while in high school, participate in outstanding career and technical education programs, enroll in robust offerings of fine arts classes and explore a large variety of activities await high school students.

We believe in every student’s potential to grow in greatness. We value families as our partners in learning. We are committed to student wellbeing. And, we offer unrivaled opportunities at every grade for enrichment and exploration.

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 40-49

Current Incentives for teacher candidates:
-Competitive salary and benefits
-Moving Expense Reimbursement
-Strong Mentor Program
-Incredible Professional Development Opportunities

District’s current salary schedule: Salary Schedule

Student Teaching Stipend:

Student Teaching Stipend Eligibility or limited to certain content/licensure areas:

District’s Mentoring Program: Salina Public Schools professional teacher mentoring builds school culture by supporting educators’ professional growth and psychosocial development. Through our mentoring program, new teachers will find formal support and learning opportunities that can help them do their jobs better.

Throughout the first year, new teachers will work with their mentor to establish a foundation of practice. They will learn how to create inclusive professional communities in which teachers work together, learn from one another, and support each other’s growth and development.

District’s recruitment video: Recruitment Video

Contact Info:
Salina Public Schools websites
tiffany.snyder@usd305.com

Smith Center, USD 237

District Classification: 2A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 499 or less
Counties served: Smith County

USD 237 uses the slogan “Together-We Are Champions” because we believe it takes teamwork from the staff, students, parents, and community for the school to be successful. The district strives to provide the best educational experience possible for approximately 420 students. The district encompasses 599 square miles, with students PreK-6 attending the Smith Center Elementary Schooland students grades 7-12 attending Smith Center Junior-Senior High. The district has a tradition of success in the classroom and in extra-curricular activities. Smith Center Schools enjoy the support of the community. USD 237 will continue to meet the needs of our students and prepare them for post-secondary success.

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 0-9

Current Incentives for teacher candidates: We offer a full single BCBSKS Health Insurance. A hiring bonus is available for new to the district teachers.

District’s current salary schedule: Our starting salary for the 2025-2026 school year is $42,000. Salaries for supplementals is outstanding.

Student Teaching Stipend: No

Student Teaching Stipend Eligibility or limited to certain content/licensure areas:

District’s Mentoring Program: We utilize Smoky Hill Educational Service Center or Greenbush for our new teacher mentoring, with a mentor assigned in the district.

District’s recruitment video:

Contact Info:
Smith Center website
dmcewen@usd237.com

Solomon, USD 393

District Classification: 2A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 499 or less
Counties served: Dickinson County, Ottawa County, Saline County

Solomon's staff and teachers love to connect and have fun. Building strong relationships with coworkers is the cornerstone of a positive work environment. It's the trust, support, and camaraderie among colleagues that fuel creativity, productivity, and a shared sense of purpose. Working in a small school offers the unique advantage of truly knowing your coworkers personally, fostering a sense of family within the workplace.

"Good colleagues are those who know that 'WE' is more powerful than 'ME'"

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 0-9

Current Incentives for teacher candidates:

District’s current salary schedule: $43,000 starting pay with a $1000 Signing bonus and a fully paid single BC/BS $500 deductible. KPERS and 503b match too.

Student Teaching Stipend: Yes, $1,000 seemester

Student Teaching Stipend Eligibility or limited to certain content/licensure areas: All student teachers are eligible

District’s Mentoring Program: We partner with Greenbush Service Center for all our beginning teachers. We utilize a two-day orientation to help answer those questions, during which those days are paid at your daily rate. You will meet weekly with two expert teachers who care about your professional growth in the teaching field.

District’s recruitment video: Recruitment Video

Contact Info: Solomon website

Southeast of Saline, USD 306

District Classification: 3A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 500-999
Counties served: Saline County

Located just outside of Salina, Southeast of Saline has a small rural school feel with easy access to city amenities. SES is a top performing district which attracts students and teachers to our community. Highly competitive in academics, fine arts, and sports the Trojan Pride shines bright.

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 0-9

Current Incentives for teacher candidates:

District’s current salary schedule: 23-24 base salary is $42,000. Coaching/sponsorship rates are a percentage of the base to stay current and competitive. The salary schedule has 28 steps which rewards longevity.

Student Teaching Stipend:

Student Teaching Stipend Eligibility or limited to certain content/licensure areas:

District’s Mentoring Program: Beginning teachers will receive a highly qualified mentor as well as support for an experienced and talented staff.

District’s recruitment video:

Contact Info: Southeast of Saline website

Stockton, USD 271

District Classification: 1A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 499 or less
Counties served: Rooks County

We are a small district north of Hays, KS. We have a lot of personalized learning for both students and staff!

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 0-9

Current Incentives for teacher candidates:

District’s current salary schedule: Base pay is 40,000 and our benefits cover a single employee.

Student Teaching Stipend:

Student Teaching Stipend Eligibility or limited to certain content/licensure areas:

District’s Mentoring Program: We offer a two year mentoring program.

District’s recruitment video:

Contact Info: Stockton website

Twin Valley Schools, USD 240

District Classification: 2A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 500-999
Counties served: Ottawa County

Our district is made up of 2 buildings, one PreK-12 building in Bennington, KS and the other PreK-12 building in Tescott, Ks. Both towns are located north of Salina on Highway 18.

Our PreK-12 building allows for wonderful opportunities for both staff and students. Our staff follows students all the way through their academic careers, and our students have the opportunity to do internships and aid positions in our elementary classrooms without any additional travel.

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 0-9

Current Incentives for teacher candidates: We are paying a $1500 stipend to student teachers, as well as potential signing bonuses for hard to fill positions.

District’s current salary schedule: $43,250 for the 25-26 school year

Student Teaching Stipend: Yes, $1500

Student Teaching Stipend Eligibility or limited to certain content/licensure areas: We are currently offering the stipend for hard to fill positions, including CTE, science, and math. We have also offered the stipend for an elementary position.

District’s Mentoring Program: We are committed to providing a quality support program for all new staff. Our brand-new teachers participate in the Mentoring program through Smoky Hill Education Service Center, with a mentor assigned to them in the same building.

We have also offered additional in-building coaching support with a retired teacher who can provide more intentional support to the new teacher than a traditional mentor can provide.

District’s recruitment video:

Contact Info:
Twin Valley Schools websites
pirwin@usd240.org

Victoria Schools, USD 432

District Classification: 1A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 499 or less
Counties served: Ellis County

Victoria is a small town located between Russell and Hays on I-70. Staff and families enjoy the small town feel and the college town amenities located within ten miles of Victoria. Knight Nation is greatly supported by the community, parents, and BOE. We are a 1-A school and participate in the Central Prairie League. We offer Pre-K through 12 grade education with dual enrollment opportunities, small class sizes and caring teachers. In addition to band, football, volleyball, basketball, track, baseball/softball and shooting club, we offer a full day PreK- 4 year old program.

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 0-9

Current Incentives for teacher candidates: TEAM Grant for first year teachers. Half their credit hours are paid by FHSU & USD 432. Established teachers are able to use Patterson Family Foundation Grant funds for FULL reimbursement of coursework!
Excellent insurance, BCBS KS is used. Full single by employer ($650) and Employee Children, $850; Employee Spouse $50; Emp

District’s current salary schedule:
$42,000 Base
$700 across/ $600 Down

Student Teaching Stipend: Yes, sustitute pay

Student Teaching Stipend Eligibility or limited to certain content/licensure areas: It is limited

District’s Mentoring Program: We coop with Greenbush for our mentoring program and it's awesome! Monthly modules help to guide the participants.

District’s recruitment video: Recruitment Video

Contact Info:
Victoria Schools websites
kimberlywoolf@usd432.org