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Teacher Certification Renewal Options

6 - Credit Hour Renewal

NDE Rule 21 governs the issuance of a Nebraska Certificate. Anyone whose certificate is less than five years beyond the expiration date must complete 6-hours of graduate credit from an approved teacher training institution. The six hours must be related to the area(s) of endorsement(s) on your certificate, but not duplicate any previous coursework within the past 10 years.

15 - Credit Hour Renewal

NDE Rule 21 governs the issuance of a Nebraska Certificate. Anyone whose certificate is five years beyond the expiration date must complete 15-hours of prescribed credit from an approved teacher training institution.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the 15-hours required for renewal?

Graduate coursework completed for the 15-hour renewal must be in the following areas:

  • Instructional Techniques (3 credit hours)
  • Content Area Courses (6 credit hours)
  • Current Issues (3 credit hours)
  • 100-hour Practicum (3 credit hours)
Contact the Certification Officer at 402.554.2718 or unocertification@unomaha.edu to determine what courses you will take and how you will fulfill the practicum requirement.
How do I get admitted to UNO?

Candidates entering the 15-hour renewal program must apply as an unclassified graduate student. The deadlines for graduate applications are August 1 for fall; December 1 for spring; and June 1 for summer.

Candidates admitting for renewal only should also admit as an unclassified graduate student.

Is there a time limit for completing the coursework?

The coursework must be completed and the application for the certificate submitted within five years of the date of the first course.

Can any of the coursework be taken at another insitution?

Up to six hours of graduate credit from another accredited teacher training institution may apply to the 15-hour renewal at UNO. You must receive approval before registering for coursework to ensure that it will be acceptable.

When I have completed my requirements, how do I apply for my Nebraska certificate?

Renewal application process:

  1. Complete the NDE online application.
  2. Pay the required fee as directed on the application.
  3. Submit Official Transcripts: order transcripts through your UNO account as directed on the application.
  4. Apply for Institutional Verification: the College will complete the Institutional Verification and send it to the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE). Contact the UNO Certification Assistant at 402.554.2718 or unocertification@unomaha.edu, with your name, NUID, and the purpose of your application to NDE.
How do I get started?
  1. Admit to the University as an unclassified graduate student. Once admitted, proceed with step 2.
  2. Download the directions and forms for the 15-Hour Renewal.
  3. Contact unocertification@unomaha.edu for an appointment.
  4. Bring the completed forms to your scheduled appointment.