Nebraska Collaborative Learning Network

The Nebraska Collaborative Learning Network (NCLN) is a professional development initiative that empowers Nebraska educators and educational leaders through tailored, competency-based learning, networking, and resources, all accessible at no or low cost to elevate educational effectiveness statewide.

Empowering Nebraska Educators

The Nebraska Collaborative Learning Network (NCLN) mission is strengthening Nebraska education by building leadership through networking, and learning. NCLN is a menu of learning experiences for Nebraska education and leadership professional development, including Microcredential courses, badges, mentoring, facilitated networking, and an informal resource library.

With support from the Nebraska Department of Education, NCLN is available to all Nebraska educators and administrators at low or no cost. NCLN resources are made available to the state through the University of Nebraska at Omaha Innovative & Learning-Centric Initiatives.

NCLN Course Offerings

Administrative Leadership Support with IPG

Strengthen your leadership identity by using the Instructional Practice Guide to align vision, improve instructional clarity, and drive consistent, high-quality teaching and learning.

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Special Education Leadership Academy

Develop a systems-based, data-informed approach to recruit, support, and retain special education teachers while strengthening school leadership and climate.

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Hope: The Driving Force in Leadership

Learn how to apply hope science to lead effectively, inspire others, and build intentional, goal-driven practices in your work and life.

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Leaders in K-3 Literacy

Equip educators and leaders with practical tools and strategies to strengthen K–3 literacy through data-informed instruction and key foundational reading skills.

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Sowing the SEEDS: Understanding the Nebraska Educator Standards

Build understanding of Nebraska’s Teacher and Principal Performance Standards and apply them to strengthen your teaching, leadership, and professional growth.

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Striving for Impact

Gain practical strategies to build hope, resilience, and goal-driven thinking in yourself and others across leadership, education, and everyday life.

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Rethinking Walkthroughs

Learn to implement differentiated supervision through purposeful walkthroughs that support teacher growth, align with goals, and improve student outcomes.

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Nature-Based Play and Learning

Build the knowledge and confidence to integrate nature-based play into your daily practice, using research, reflection, and practical strategies to support meaningful learning and child development.

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School Communications and PR

Learn practical strategies to lead school communications with clarity, build trust with stakeholders, manage digital presence, strengthen branding, and respond effectively in crisis situations.

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NCLN Huddle Courses

Principal Huddles

Stay organized and focused with a monthly to-do system for principals, paired with professional growth tools, events, and resources to support effective school leadership year-round.

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Superintendent Huddles

Stay organized and lead effectively with a monthly to-do system for superintendents, supported by tools, events, and resources for strategic leadership and district-wide impact.

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Recommendations?

Do you have a recommendation for a NCLN credentialed course? Let us know by completing the Course Recommendation Form.

Leadership

Dr. Tami Williams (tamarawilliams@unomaha.edu) and JerLene Mosley provide day-to-day leadership for the Nebraska Collaborative Learning Network (NCLN). The initiative is sponsored by the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE), under the leadership of Dr. Ryan Ricenbaw, Director of Statewide Teacher and Principal Support.

NCLN operates within UNO’s Innovative and Learning-Centric Initiatives (ILCI) division, led by Marlina Davidson, Director of Instructional Design and supported by the Microcredential team.

Honoring Our Project Leaders

We extend our deepest gratitude to the distinguished members of the NCLN Steering Committee—Dr. Ryan Ricenbaw (NDE), Dr. Mike Teahon (UNK), Dr. Mike Sieh (Wayne State), Dr. Troy Loeffelholz (NCSA), Dr. Kevin Riley (UNO), Dr. Melissa Wheelock (ESU 10), Eileen Barks (ESU 2) and Dr. Terry Haack (MOEC)—for their exemplary leadership, dedication, and vision. As guiding voices and champions of this initiative, your collective contributions have been instrumental in advancing the mission to support Nebraska’s educators and school leaders. We are truly grateful for your time, talents, and expertise. Thank you for your steadfast commitment.