How long does it take to get a teaching certificate if I already have a 4-year degree?
It depends on the content of your previous degree and the area(s) in which you want to pursue certification. It is a change of your major, and as a general "rule of thumb" the time is 2 1/2 years. You are earning a professional license.
Core education classes are needed for certification and these classes are sequential in nature. Classwork and field experiences must be completed sequentially to obtain knowledge and skills that are prerequisites for the next course in the sequence.
If you already hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university you may earn a teaching certificate by completing the for initial certification. The Teacher Academy Project (TAP) is an option for individuals interested in teaching in high demand areas (grades 7-12). The Accelerated Certification for Teachers Program (ACT) is the option for individuals interested in teaching grades K-6.
How do I find information about coursework requirements?
Specific coursework requirements are located on our website.
What is the difference between a field endorsement and a subject endorsement?
For Nebraska Teacher Certification in Secondary Education, UNO requires two subject endorsements or one field endorsement. Subject endorsements are in a specific area such as History and Math, or Physics and English. Field endorsements are broader in coverage, such as Social Science or Language Arts which cover several areas within the "field".
What are areas of high demand for teachers?
Learn about the general guidelines on areas of high demand.
I don’t have a degree but have many years of experience. Will my job/life experience be counted toward my requirements for Nebraska Teacher Certification?
No. Requirements for Nebraska Teacher Certification are closely regulated by state standards and can be found on the Nebraska Teacher Certification website.
I don’t have certification now but I want to get certified to teach in the State of Nebraska.
The first step is admission to UNO, please visit the admissions webpage for more information.
What is the difference between an endorsement and certification?
Certification refers to licensure to teach. Endorsement is the area in which you chose to teach, i.e. elementary, secondary math, special education, etc.
What do I do if I have certification in another state?
Consult the Nebraska Department of Education for requirement information or 402.471.0739
How do I get a Substitute Teaching Certificate?
The Nebraska Department of Education has information about certification for substitute teaching on its website.
I have a teaching certificate that has expired, what do I need to do to get it renewed?
For information on renewing an expired certificate, please visit the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences’ certification page.