Are you ready to transition from paraprofessional to teacher? The UNO Para to Teacher Pathway offers a high-quality teacher certification program designed for you.
The UNO Elementary Para to Teacher Pathway Program offers numerous benefits designed to support your professional growth and success. You'll learn from experienced educational leaders and current practitioners actively working in the field, ensuring your education is grounded in real-world expertise. With high-quality coursework from a reputable, accredited university, you'll gain skills and knowledge that meet the highest standards.
The program's unique cohort model allows you to learn alongside other paraprofessionals and educational assistants, fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment. A strong partnership between UNO and your school district enhances your development, all within a predictable and consistent schedule tailored to meet your needs.
Application deadline note: Applications for the Summer 2025 cohort will close May 1, 2025. If you're considering applying for a future cohort, you can begin preparing now to join the Summer 2026 cohort.
Steps to Apply
1. Interested in learning more about joining our summer cohort? Fill out the Elementary Para to Teacher Pathway Interest Form and an academic advisor will be in touch to help you get started.
2. Meet with a CEHHS Academic Advisor
3. Apply to UNO*: Undergraduate Application for Admission
4. Apply to the UNO Educator Preparation Program (EPP). Your CEHHS Academic Advisor will assist you in accessing the EPP application following your meeting.
* You may apply to UNO before, or while completing, steps 1 and 2
Admission Requirements
- Associate's degree or general education and prerequisite courses completed
- Employed as an elementary Paraprofessional/Educational Assistant (EA), or plan to become employed
- Availability to participate in a cohort model program for two years
- Admission GPA: 2.5
Program Details
- Certification: Elementary Education, K-6
- Scholarship funding available
- Two-year program, including summers
- Coursework delivered through a combination of evening, weekend, and online classes
- Practicum hours fulfilled with and around existing para/EA work and supported with coursework
- A full-time program offers students access to financial aid and campus resources
About the Elementary Education Major
The elementary education major is designed to prepare candidates to meet Nebraska Department of Education requirements for teacher certification. A minimum of 120 credits hours with a minimum GPA of 2.75 is required to complete an educator certification program.
Accreditation and Certification
The Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education (BSED) is accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) and approved by the Nebraska State Department of Education.
The BSED degree in Elementary Education allows UNO to recommend graduates for Nebraska licensure (K- 6). In addition, candidates must pass the Praxis II – Elementary Education: Curriculum and Instruction Assessment (5017) with a score of 153 or higher to meet state licensure requirements.
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