Learning Services

female teacher and girl do a high-five in class

The Olathe Public Schools Learning Services Department supports the district’s academic and social-emotional goals by providing resources and guidance to staff, parents, and students to ensure every learner is prepared for the future. The department works together to support teaching and learning across the district.

Staff looking for internal Learning Services resources should visit the Learning Services page of the O-Zone.

Access the Olathe Professional Learning website Olathe Annual Summer Conference

Experience student teaching in one of the most dynamic, supportive, and innovative school districts in Kansas!

Olathe Public School blends small-town community warmth with big-city professional opportunities. With award-winning schools, diverse students, and a culture of excellence, Olathe is the perfect place to launch your teaching career.

What Makes Olathe Exceptional?

36 Elementary Schools, 10 Middle Schools, and 5 High Schools — a variety of placement options
Diverse & Inclusive Learning Community
Small-town feel with access to Kansas City opportunities
Professional Development just for student teachers
Supportive Mentors & Leadership every step of the way
Technology-rich Classrooms & Modern Facilities
High-Quality Instructional Resources
Events designed for YOU: onboarding sessions, professional learning, networking & observation opportunities
Early interview opportunities and paid positions are available upon completion of student teaching
High Academic Standards + Positive School Culture = A place to thrive!

Be Part of a District That Invests in YOU

In Olathe, we believe that great teachers start with great experiences. Join a district where student teachers are valued, supported, and inspired to make a difference.

Apply Today

Field Experience Guidelines

Student or university must:

Complete and submit security clearance through Validity Screening Solutions
Complete and submit a TB test
Demonstrate professional behavior consistent with Olathe Personnel Policies
Submit the following materials (in addition to any required by your university):
- Introductory statement
- Unofficial or Official Transcript
- Resume including current phone number & email

Placement Process for Student Teaching, Internships, and Practicums

Observation Opportunities

New Educator Program

Welcome

Thank you for visiting Olathe’s New Educator Program. Below you’ll find information about becoming a teacher in Olathe and the support programs available to help you succeed. Please use the contact links for additional details—Olathe would love to explore having you join us as an OPS certified educator!

The Olathe Mentoring and Induction Program accelerates new educator effectiveness to boost student achievement. We provide ongoing, differentiated support that is standards-based, instructionally focused, and data-driven. By partnering new teachers with skilled instructional coaches, we strengthen teaching, increase student learning, and improve teacher retention and leadership.

Contact

Ann Addison, Director of Teacher Induction and University Partnerships
Amy Hillman, Olathe Recruiter Liaison; Future Educator CREW Coach
Kelly Tines, Director of Curriculum and Instructional Support
Christy Wichtendahl, Administrative Assistant for Teacher Induction, University Partnerships, and Instructional Coaching

New Educators' Orientation Website

Visit the New Educators' Orientation

Information for New Educators

Standards

The first five Standards and their accompanying Indicators define what accomplished Olathe Educators should know and be able to do. All educators work towards achieving these standards and are expected to perform at the Effective level or higher on all Educator Standards/Indicators.

The Rubrics provide a continuum of further detail and clarity for the Indicators, as well as promote greater consistency in their application. The Rubrics allow educators to:

reflect on their strengths and areas of needs.
receive focused feedback from observations by administrators, Instructional Coach, mentors, colleagues, etc. with increased inter-rater reliability.
see a clear picture of what skills and knowledge look like when applied.

New Educators will use these Rubrics throughout the New Educator process to reflect on their skills and to develop their Action Plan. New Educators will receive feedback on the Standards/Indicators/Rubrics from their appraiser.

Vew the Olathe Educator Standards

Building-Level Mentors

Collegial Mentor / Orientation Partner FAQs

What is a collegial mentor or orientation partner?

Collegial mentors and orientation partners are building-level mentors assigned to all new educators in the Olathe Public Schools. The program is part of a comprehensive induction program to help acclimate new educators to building policies, procedures, and culture and to support new educators with curriculum, management, and instructional practices.

Collegial mentors are assigned to all novice educators new to Olathe. Orientation partners are assigned to all experienced educators new to Olathe.

Why is this partner program important to me?

Your collegial mentor/orientation partner is a building-level colleague able to provide valuable insight into your building’s policies, procedures, and culture. If you are on a license other than a professional license, the Kansas State Department of Education requires you to participate in a two-year mentoring program to be eligible for a Kansas Professional License. The collegial mentor/orientation partner program will satisfy those requirements.

What are the requirements for meeting with my partner?

Collegial mentors and their new educators should meet approximately two hours per month during first semester and one hour per month during second semester.

Orientation partners and their new educators will meet approximately two hours per month during first quarter and one hour per month during second quarter.

You may meet before, during, or after school. You also may “meet” virtually by telephone, email, or text.

Because every partner-new educator situation is different, please note that you may schedule meetings for different amounts of time each month. There may be a month when you meet eight times for 15 minutes or a month when you meet one time for two hours.

Collegial mentors and orientation partners will also assist new educators in unstructured formats – in the hallways, at lunch, on the playground, via email — for immediate assistance.

What topics will we discuss at our meetings?

Topics will be relevant to both the time of year and the new educator’s immediate needs. Collegial mentors and orientation partners will focus on topics related to your building’s policies, procedures, and culture but will also support you regarding the Olathe standards, curriculum, instruction, classroom management, and assessment, as needed. Mentors have a “Field Guide” which has a series of topics to discuss each month and a page on which to sign off indicating you met together.

New educators should compile a list of questions and topics to bring to these meetings as well.

Are conversations with my partner confidential?

Do meetings with my partner earn professional development points?

Yes. New educators working with a collegial mentor will receive up to 15 professional development points for participation during the course of the school year. These points may be used for both relicensure purposes and movement on the district salary scale.

New educators working with an orientation partner during first semester will receive up to eight professional development points for both relicensure and movement on the salary scale.

Who should I contact if I have questions?

Instructional Coaching

All educators new to the Olathe Public Schools are assigned an instructional coach that works with you throughout your first year. Your instructional coach will focus on curriculum, instructional strategies, and classroom management support. Your coach is always available to assist you with any questions or concerns you have. As you move through the year, you and your coach will partner on coaching cycles which will help you focus on areas of growth to increase student achievement.

Instructional coaches are supervised by Dr. Ann Addison (elementary and SPED), Director of New Educator Induction and University Partnerships, and Kelly Tines (secondary), Director of Instructional Support. Ann and Kelly are located at the Instructional Resource Center.

EPIC Learning

The EPIC Learning Series is an opportunity for educators to engage with research-based instructional strategies. Our sessions in the fall will be focused on Planning for Student Engagement, Effective Lesson Design, and Building Relationships with Students.

All sessions run from 4:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.

Learn more about dates, topics, and locations

Sign-up information will be included in an invitation email to new educators.

University Partnerships

Olathe Public Schools maintains partnerships with many universities to support potential candidates in their pursuit of teaching licensure, employment and continuing education. This sit includes information on all of these paths. For more information, clarification or assistance in pursuing opportunities with our school district contact Amy Hillman, Teacher Recruitment Liaison or Ann Addison, Director of University Partnerships and Teacher Induction.

Upcoming Events

Summer Conference: Our annual Summer Conference is May 27-29.

Information and registration

PASSport events are for our current Olathe Paras, Aides, and Support Staff to meet and greet our local partnering colleges and universities that are part of our Olathe Educator Pipeline to the classroom. You will be able to choose which programs you would like to explore at the event. Our University Partners will share how they can help YOU on your journey to become certified educators and potentially work in the Olathe schools.

Winter 2026 information will be posted in the fall when available

KSDE Pathways to the Classroom Federal Application for Student Aid

Scholarships

Olathe Retired Employees Association

Are you a current classified employee of the Olathe Public Schools who is headed back to school to become a certified educator? If so, the Olathe Public Schools Retired Employees Association (OPS/REA) wants to support you. Apply today for the Mary Cochran Classified Staff Scholarship, designed to assist Olathe classified staff who are pursuing a career in education. The OPS/REA will award one $1,000 scholarship annually to a current Olathe classified staff member. To be eligible, you must already be enrolled in classes, and plan to take additional classes next fall.

Applicants must complete the online application by Monday, March 24, 2025 at 8 a.m. If you have any questions, e-mail us at foundation@olatheschools.org.

Kansas Ethnic Minority Scholarship

The Career Technical Workforce Grant is available to students enrolled in an eligible career technical education program operated by a designated Kansas educational institution that has been identified as offering a technical certificate or associate of applied science degree program in a high cost, high demand, or critical industry field. (Education) Designated Kansas educational institutions include technical colleges, community colleges, and public four-year colleges that award associate of applied science degrees; and Washburn Institute of Technology. Only technical certificate and associate of applied science degree programs are included among the eligible programs. Preference in awarding goes to applicants with financial need.