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UNO Teacher Education:
Build a career that matters
As an aspiring educator, you’re looking for preparation that reflects what teaching is really like in classrooms. You'll want hands-on experience in schools, guidance from faculty who know the field, and time to build confidence with students. At the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, you get all of that—and the added benefit of strong connections to local schools and community partners.
UNO offers several Bachelor of Science in Education pathways, so you can choose the program that fits your goals and interests.
Undergraduate Program Options
Elementary Education
Prepare to teach in K–6 classrooms with a program focused on child development, learning theory, core content areas, and instructional methods. Students complete extensive field experiences in local school districts and graduate ready for Nebraska teacher certification.
Secondary Education
Designed for students seeking Nebraska certification in grades 7–12, or PK–12 in areas such as Art, Music, or Physical Education. This program combines strong content-area preparation with teaching methods and hands-on classroom experience.
Early Childhood Inclusive Education
This program prepares future educators to work with young children of all abilities in inclusive early learning environments. Coursework emphasizes developmentally appropriate practice, collaboration with families, and inclusive instructional strategies.
Child, Youth, and Community Science
Earn a Bachelor of Science in Education without teacher certification while preparing for education-focused careers beyond traditional K–12 classrooms. This concentration is ideal for students interested in learning in community settings such as nonprofits, youth programs, museums, and social service organizations.
Library Science - 100% Online!
A fully online bachelor’s degree designed for working adults, paraprofessionals, and career changers. Graduates are prepared for careers in public, academic, and special libraries in today’s information-driven world.
Special Education*
Prepare to serve children and youth with disabilities at the elementary or secondary level. Students may choose a Special Education Generalist pathway or a dual endorsement option paired with Elementary or Secondary Education.
*The Special Education program is offered through the Special Education & Communication Disorders Dept.
Non-Traditional Pathways for Working Education Professionals
Para to Elementary Teacher Pathway
Work as a paraprofessional and ready to become a classroom teacher? This pathway lets you earn your Elementary Education degree and certification while continuing to work. You’ll learn alongside other paraprofessionals in a cohort model, follow a predictable schedule, and benefit from strong partnerships between UNO and local school districts.
Early Childhood Inclusive Professional Pathway
Designed for professionals working full-time in early childhood settings, this pathway prepares you to teach children from birth through third grade in general or special education. The program offers flexible coursework, a supportive cohort experience, and practicum hours that work around your current job. Funding and scholarship support is available.
Why Study Teacher Education at UNO?
- Small class sizes and personalized advising
- Integrated field experiences starting early in the program
- Structured support to build the skills and disposition for classroom success
- Practice teaching in a variety of learning environments and classroom settings
- Service learning and community engagement embedded in many courses
- Student organizations and leadership opportunities
- Online and hybrid options
- Honors program and professional development opportunities
Field Experiences That Build Confidence
Field experiences are at the heart of UNO’s teacher programs. You’ll complete practicum hours and a 16-week hands-on classroom experience with coaching and feedback.
Features include:
- Structured, progressive placements aligned with coursework
- Coaching and feedback from faculty and trained clinical teachers
- Performance assessments tied to state and national standards
- Collaborative co-teaching models that reflect district needs
Learn Evidence-Based Methods You Can Use
As an aspiring teacher, you’ll learn proven, research-based methods for teaching. UNO’s programs are one of the few in Nebraska—and among just 23% nationwide—rated “A” by the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) for strong coverage of evidence-based literacy instruction using the Science of Reading.
Strong Outcomes for Our Teacher Candidates
Feedback from K–12 partner teachers and faculty mentors show that as a UNO teacher candidate, you will be well-prepared for the classroom:
- Classroom-ready: Over 80% rated strong or outstanding overall
- Content-confident: Over 80% received the highest rating in subject matter knowledge
- Instructionally effective: Over 80% earned top ratings for engaging instruction
- Relationship-focused: Over 90% earned the highest ratings for building positive student relationships
Ready to Get Started?
Start your UNO application or contact our Office of Academic Advising to connect with an advisor: unocoeadvising@unomaha.edu or 402.554.2717.