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Verified by KY Board of Education

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Licensing in Kentucky

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in Kentucky, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

No exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Kentucky

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    Experience: No experience required.

  3. 3

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • No exam required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Division of Certification • Education Professional Standards Board

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $57,090 median (9% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #38 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (5)

  1. 1. Meet Kentucky eligibility requirements for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
  5. 5. Submit the application to Division of Certification~Education Professional Standards Board and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Kentucky

With a median salary of $57,090, Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Kentucky earn 9% below the national median of $63,000. Kentucky ranks #38 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,180

Median annual salary

$57,090

Hourly estimate

$27.45
9% below national median

Difference: -$5,910

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$41,370
  • P2525th percentile$47,980
  • P50Median$57,090
  • P7575th percentile$62,140
  • P9090th percentile$71,250

State vs National Median

State: $57,090
National: $63,000

Total employment: 3,660 | Annual openings: N/A

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary Ranking

#38 of 50 statesfor Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$90,530
#2Washington$85,340
#3Connecticut$81,220
#4New York$80,750
#5Massachusetts$78,820

Nearby States Comparison

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Kentucky$57,090Specific course requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Indiana$57,910Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Ohio$64,060Degree requiredState-approved examVaries by board
West Virginia$49,760Specific course requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Virginia$65,000Degree requiredState-approved examVaries by board
Tennessee$61,080Specific course requiredThird-party exam required18 years
Missouri$52,140Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Illinois$76,170Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Kentucky60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Indiana50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Ohio68MediumBackground check or criminal history review is indicated. Continuing education compliance is required.
West Virginia60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Virginia66MediumDocumented experience may be required. Continuing education compliance is required.
Tennessee68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Division of Certification • Education Professional Standards Board

300 Sower Blvd., 3rd Floor, Frankfort, KY, 40601

Phone: 5025644606

Related Careers in Kentucky

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$63,540Degree requiredVaries by board
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$67,110Degree requiredVaries by board
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$79,330Degree requiredVaries by board
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$61,320No educational requirementsVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Kentucky?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Kentucky?

Kentucky lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools.

What education do you need to become a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Kentucky?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensure in Kentucky.

What is the typical Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Kentucky?

The median annual salary for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Kentucky is $57,090. Salaries range from $41,370 (10th percentile) to $71,250 (90th percentile).

How does the Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Kentucky compare to the national average?

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Kentucky earn 9% below the national median of $63,000, with a state median of $57,090.

How many Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools work in Kentucky?

Kentucky employs approximately 3,660 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School license to Kentucky from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Kentucky?

The licensing agency is Division of Certification / Education Professional Standards Board. Review agency details at http://www.epsb.ky.gov/.

How often do you renew a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School license in Kentucky?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.