Southwest Kansas
Ashland, USD 220District Classification: 1A Please visit our website Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 0-9 Current Incentives for teacher candidates: We'd love to visit with you in person regarding opportunities specific to your situation. District’s current salary schedule: Student Teaching Stipend: Yes, depends on situation. Stipend when student teachers are acting as long-term sub in their content area and/or on restricted or limited licensure. Student Teaching Stipend Eligibility or limited to certain content/licensure areas: District’s Mentoring Program: External mentor provided through regional service center and internal mentor provided. District’s recruitment video: Recruitment video Contact Info: |
Bucklin Schools, USD 459District Classification: 1A Small class sizes Student Teaching Stipend: Student Teaching Stipend Eligibility or limited to certain content/licensure areas: District’s Mentoring Program: First year and new teachers recieve a district assigned mentor. |
Deerfield, USD 216District Classification: 1A USD 216 District Video Student Teaching Stipend: Student Teaching Stipend Eligibility or limited to certain content/licensure areas: District’s Mentoring Program: Every new teacher is partnered with a teacher in the district and participates in our district mentor program. We provide 2 years of mentoring for new teachers. Every teacher in our district also has their own instructional coach to help work with them on what they would like to improve on and work on for their class. |
Dodge City Public SchoolsDistrict Classification: 6A Dodge City Public Schools serves a diverse student population of over 7,200 students. This diversity is reflected in the wide range of home languages spoken by students, representing 20 different languages from 41 countries. This multicultural environment enriches the educational experience and provides a unique learning community. Student Teaching Stipend: Yes, $4,500 Student Teaching Stipend Eligibility or limited to certain content/licensure areas: All student teachers are eligible District’s Mentoring Program: The USD 443 Educator Support Program (ESP) provides knowledge and application of evidence-based instructional practices in order to improve student achievement. Activities are aligned to the four constructs measured in the Kansas Educator Evaluation Protocol (KEEP2): Learning & Learning, Content Knowledge, Instructional Practice, and Professional Responsibility. |
Garden City Public Schools, USD 457District Classification: 6A Garden City offers a warm, welcoming community that combines a small-town atmosphere with big-city opportunities. Garden City Public Schools is the 10th largest district in Kansas by student population and the 2nd largest by land area. Our 18 campuses serve more than 7,000 students, with students representing approximately 35 languages, making our schools a rich and diverse learning environment. As a teacher in Garden City, you’ll be part of a professional learning community that meets regularly and is supported by instructional coaches who provide job-embedded professional development. New teachers receive strong mentoring and support to ensure a smooth transition into the classroom and continued growth throughout their careers. Outside of work, Garden City offers an affordable cost of living and a wide variety of amenities, including parks, baseball and soccer fields, adult sports leagues, golf courses, water parks, and a local zoo. The community hosts year-round events such as art festivals, cultural celebrations, and community theatre productions. Many activities are centered around the vibrant downtown, featuring local businesses, vendors, and food trucks. In Garden City, teachers find not only a rewarding career but also a supportive community and a great place to live, grow, and build a future. Student Teaching Stipend: Yes, $6,000 a semester Student Teaching Stipend Eligibility or limited to certain content/licensure areas: All student teachers are eligible. District’s Mentoring Program: New teachers in Garden City are paired with experienced mentors and supported by instructional coaches and department/grade-level leads. This program focuses on practical skills such as lesson planning, instructional strategies, classroom management, positive reinforcement, effective questioning, and parent communication - helping new teachers build confidence and succeed in the classroom. District’s recruitment video: Recruitment Video |
Greeley County Schools, USD 200District Classification: 1A Greeley County Schools, located close to the Colorado border in Tribune, Kansas is a progressive district of 240 PreK-12th grade students striving for excellence in academics, character, and activities. Our schools are fortunate to have a stable student population retaining our small class sizes where all students have increased opportunities to be successful. In addition, our district's teachers and students have access to new technology, with all classrooms equipped with Promethean boards. All 6-12th-grade students are provided with a laptop by the district, and elementary students have a dedicated computer cart for their rooms. The district has updated facilities and a commitment to routine maintenance. Additional benefits of living in Greeley County include a critical care access hospital, as well as recreational opportunities such as the city swimming pool, golf course, fitness center, and an active recreation program for both youth and adults. Also, Colorado Springs and the Rocky Mountains are just a little over 3 hours away. District’s current salary schedule: Base pay is $44,533 Student Teaching Stipend: Yes, variable Student Teaching Stipend Eligibility or limited to certain content/licensure areas: All student teachers are eligible District’s Mentoring Program: We utilize both state-required mentoring but also include local mentoring where new staff are paired up with a local veteran teacher and can work them through yearly norms. This includes a document of monthly what to expect and upcoming items. |
Hugoton, USD 210District Classification: 4A USD 210 Hugoton Public Schools is located in the heart of southwest Kansas in the welcoming community of Hugoton. With approximately 1,100 students from preschool through 12th grade, USD 210 offers educators the opportunity to work in a close-knit district where relationships matter and individuals make a meaningful impact every day. Our schools’ pride themselves on maintaining a supportive, collaborative environment where teachers are empowered to innovate, grow professionally, and truly know their students and families. Hugoton is the county seat of Stevens County and offers the advantages of a small-town lifestyle combined with strong community support for education. Residents enjoy a safe, family-friendly environment, short commutes, and a slower pace of life that allows for meaningful connections both inside and outside of school. Community members take pride in their schools, and educators are highly valued as important contributors to the success of the district and the future of the community. USD 210 is committed to academic excellence while also focusing on developing well-rounded students prepared for success beyond graduation. Teachers in Hugoton have the opportunity to build strong relationships with students, collaborate closely with colleagues, and take part in meaningful professional learning experiences. The district emphasizes innovation, leadership development, and a student-centered approach to education. Because of our size, educators often have opportunities to take on leadership roles, contribute to district initiatives, and make a visible difference in shaping programs and opportunities for students. Hugoton offers a strong quality of life with affordable housing, excellent community facilities, and a supportive environment for families. The community features local parks, recreational opportunities, and a variety of school and community events throughout the year. Located near the borders of Oklahoma, Colorado, and Texas, Hugoton also provides convenient access to regional travel and outdoor recreation opportunities. Educators who choose USD 210 often find that Hugoton quickly becomes more than just a workplace “it becomes home”. Teachers are not just employees; they are valued members of a community that supports education, celebrates student success, and works together to create meaningful opportunities for all learners. Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 0-9 District’s current salary schedule: Salary schedule Student Teaching Stipend: No, A stipend for student teaching is considered on a case by case bases, depending on need in the position they are student teaching. Student Teaching Stipend Eligibility or limited to certain content/licensure areas: District’s Mentoring Program: USD 210 is committed to supporting new teachers through a structured, two-year mentoring program designed to help educators feel confident, connected, and successful from the start. New teachers are paired with experienced veteran staff members who serve as mentors, providing guidance, encouragement, and practical support throughout their first two years in the district. Mentor pairs meet regularly during the school year to discuss instructional practices, classroom management, district procedures, and the everyday challenges that come with teaching. District’s recruitment video: Contact Info: https://www.usd493.com/ |
Ingalls, USD 477District Classification: 1A We have a modified 4-Day student contact week in which every other Monday we have a district professional development day to grow you as a professional while the other Monday you would have completely off. Class sizes are small (13-20) and our salary is competitive starting at 46,200, especially for a four-day student contact week. Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 0-9 Current Incentives for teacher candidates: Teacher housing (if available); 2,000 Signing Bonus upon becoming fully certified District’s current salary schedule: We start at 46,200 and have 500$ steps after that. Our salary jumps after attaining your masters, and then every 15 hours beyond that. Student Teaching Stipend: Yes, negotiable Student Teaching Stipend Eligibility or limited to certain content/licensure areas: All student teachers are eligible District’s Mentoring Program: We partner with our local service center to provide mentoring for teachers. District’s recruitment video: Contact Info: www.usd477.org/ |
Leoti-Wichita County, USD 467District Classification: 2A USD 467 is a small rural town with amazing community support. There are two sections of each grade Preschool through sixth grade with small class sizes of 10 to 18 students per class. There are many diverse extra-curricular opportunities for students. Student Teaching Stipend: Student Teaching Stipend Eligibility or limited to certain content/licensure areas: District’s Mentoring Program: USD 467 provides mentoring for first year teachers, as well as support to move from the initial teaching license to a professional license. |
Liberal, USD 480District Classification: 6A Liberal USD 480 is a diverse, bilingual, Title I district in southwest Kansas where educators do meaningful, impactful work every day. Our students come from a wide range of backgrounds, and for many, teachers play a critical role in building confidence, direction, and opportunity. We are a people-first district where educators are known, supported, and trusted. Collaboration is strong across buildings, and teachers have access to both building and district leadership. Liberal, Kansas is a welcoming, close-knit community with a low cost of living, allowing teacher salaries to go further. The community strongly supports its schools, and it is a place where educators can quickly feel at home and build meaningful relationships. Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 30-39 *Competitive starting salary and full benefits *Additional earning opportunities *Strong support for early-career teachers *Opportunities for growth and advancement *A place where your work matters *Starting salary: $51,788 (Bachelor’s degree, 0 years experience) *Contract length: 181 days *Salary increases based on: *Health insurance: *Paid leave: -11 days annually, with accumulation up to 90 days *Retirement: The full salary schedule provides multiple lanes (BA through MA+45) with step increases based on experience, allowing educators to grow their earnings over time. Student Teaching Stipend: Yes, 46,517.52/Year ($23,257/Semester) Student Teaching Stipend Eligibility or limited to certain content/licensure areas: All student teachers are eligible. District’s Mentoring Program: Liberal USD 480 provides a structured, multi-layered mentoring and support system designed to ensure new teachers feel confident, supported, and successful: *Two-year mentoring program aligned to KSDE requirements Our goal is simple: new teachers are not left to figure it out alone - we walk alongside them from day one. |
Minneola, USD 219District Classification: 1A Minneola is a small town with a growing atmosphere. The District is located in Southwest Kansas twenty miles south of Dodge City. The area of the district is 292 square miles. The district-wide enrollment is 242 students. A new High School facility was completed in 2006 with a new Grade School is currently being built. Student Teaching Stipend: Yes Student Teaching Stipend Eligibility or limited to certain content/licensure areas: District’s Mentoring Program: We work with Southwest Plains Service Center to provide a quality mentoring program for all new teachers. This provides new teachers with a resource outside of the school district to go to when they need help and support. |
Ness City, USD 303District Classification: 1A Small Rural Community that is highly supportive of our schools. Community has several places to eat, grocery store, and Dollar General. Hour to Dodge City, Great Bend, and Hays, and hour 15 minutes to Garden City. Small community but close to everything you need. Student Teaching Stipend: Student Teaching Stipend Eligibility or limited to certain content/licensure areas: District’s Mentoring Program: We work with Southwest Plains to provide a quality mentoring program for all new teachers. This provides new teachers with a resource outside of the school district to go to when they need help and support. We also consider ourselves a family at USD 303. Teachers and staff are always ready to help and support each other. |
Satanta, USD 507District Classification: 1A Why teach in Satanta? Student Teaching Stipend: Yes Student Teaching Stipend Eligibility or limited to certain content/licensure areas: District’s Mentoring Program: We provide one-on-one mentoring for all new teachers. |
Scott County Schools, USD 466District Classification: 3A Scott City is a very progressive community in far western Kansas. Our school district receives tremendous support for our student achievements. There are plenty of opportunities for recreation, and Scott City is a great place to raise a family. Consider joining the Beaver Community! Student Teaching Stipend: Student Teaching Stipend Eligibility or limited to certain content/licensure areas: District’s Mentoring Program: SWPRSC in Sublette supports our mentoring program. |
Spearville, USD 381District Classification: 1A Spearville USD #381 is a rural, small-town district with an average class size of 15-20 students. Our community is proud of its school system and supports the school system very well. Spearville is located in southwest Kansas. The location provides a small-town atmosphere, with most city amenities only 20 miles away. USD 381 is an outstanding school district with a strong tradition in student academic success and athletics. All students are provided with a tremendous education. Student Teaching Stipend: Student Teaching Stipend Eligibility or limited to certain content/licensure areas: District’s Mentoring Program: Spearville works closely with our area service center as well as assigning a mentor teacher to assist and guide our new teachers. Spearville also provides additional time monthly for lesson planning, quality professional development and PLCs for all the teachers in our district. |
Ulysses, USD 214District Classification: 4A We have a diverse population with supportive families and community. We have an active Req for student activities all year round. Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 0-9 District’s current salary schedule: Starting salary for 2025-26 $48,100 Student Teaching Stipend: No. Student Teaching Stipend Eligibility or limited to certain content/licensure areas: District’s Mentoring Program: We utilize SWPlains Service Center for ongoing mentoring of new teachers as well as veteran teachers. District’s recruitment video: Contact Info: https://www.usd214.org/ |
Western Plains, USD 106District Classification: 1A Western Plains USD 106 is a rural, small-town district that serves the towns of Ransom, Bazine, Utica, and Brownell. Our district has strived to improve each year and has demonstrated incredible progress over the past decade to become one of the best small school districts in the state of Kansas. Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 0-9 District’s current salary schedule: Base pay is $46,00 for the 2026-2027 school year. Student Teaching Stipend: No. Student Teaching Stipend Eligibility or limited to certain content/licensure areas: District’s Mentoring Program: We provide an approved mentoring program to all new teachers to the district and to first-time teachers a two-year mentoring period. District’s recruitment video: Contact Info: |