When you make the commitment to become a teacher, you are dedicating yourself to educating and enriching the minds of our younger generations. This is a noble and worthy endeavor, and it doesn’t come without effort and patience. If you’re considering becoming a teacher in Nebraska, take a look at the steps you’ll need to take to achieve your goal.
Nebraska Teacher Certification Requirements
Nebraska Teacher Certification Types
There are seven types of teaching certifications available in Nebraska that are based on your education and experience. Those who have a degree from a state-approved teacher preparation program are issued an Initial Certification. The Provisional, Provisional Commitment and Transitional Certifications are issued to those who lack the full requirements needed for the Initial Certification. The Standard, Professional and Dual Credit Certifications are available to those with more advanced education and experience.
Nebraska Teacher Education
To become a certified teacher in Nebraska, you must have a Bachelor’s Degree from a state-approved teacher preparation program. Additionally, you must complete courses in Special Education Training and Human Relations Training.
Featured Schools
Nebraska Teacher Certification Exam
Certain Nebraska teacher preparation programs may require applicants to pass the Praxis I Pre-Professional Test in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics before you are accepted into the program. The only applicants required to take a content area test are those wishing to teach Elementary Education and Special Education from kindergarten through eighth grade. If you want to become endorsed in World Languages, you may also take the American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages Oral Proficiency Interview and Writing Proficiency Test.
Teacher Experience
As part of your teacher preparation program, you will participate in a practicum and a student teaching experience in a classroom.
Background Check
If you have been a Nebraska state resident for five years before applying for your teaching certification, you are exempt from the criminal background check. However, if you can’t provide proof of Nebraska residency for the previous five years, you will need to undergo a background check before your certificate is issued.
Alternative Certification and Other Requirements
- Nebraska Alternative Teacher Certification: Those who already have a Bachelor’s Degree in a subject other than education who now wish to teach can obtain certification in Nebraska though certain colleges and universities that offer alternative teacher preparation programs. The Transition to Teaching Program is the most popular of these programs.
- Teacher Certification Renewal: Your Initial Teaching Certificate is valid for five years and can be renewed online. Based on the experience you’ve gained in the last five years, you may also advance to the Standard Teaching Certificate at this time.
- Nebraska Substitute Teaching: If you want to be a substitute teacher in Nebraska, you can either apply for the State Substitute Teaching Certificate or the Local Substitute Teaching Certificate. The State Certificate is valid for five years, while the Local Certificate is valid for only three years and may not be accepted in certain districts.
- Reciprocity: Out-of-state teachers wishing to teach in Nebraska may be certified through reciprocity if they have the appropriate combination of education, experience and credentials.
Discover teacher certification programs in Nebraska that are a match for you!
What Does a Teacher Do in Nebraska?
As a teacher in Nebraska, you’re responsible for providing your students with patience, understanding and the knowledge to continue on to the next level of their education. In order to do this, you’ll need to create appropriate lesson plans, work closely with your fellow instructors and communicate with the families of your students.
Nebraska Teacher Salary
Salaries for teachers vary according to the grade level and content area that they teach, but the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides average yearly wages for teachers across Nebraska. Elementary school teachers in the state make approximately $54,740 per year. Nebraska middle school teachers earn an average of $56,630 per year. Nebraska high school teachers earn an average yearly salary of $54,710.
Nebraska Teacher Certification Links
Teacher Certification Programs in Nebraska
Teacher Certification Programs in Nebraska
(It’s fast and free!)
Choose your area of study and receive free information about programs you are interested in. Becoming a teacher is an important decision that requires commitment, dedication, and passion. Teacher certification requirements vary by state. However, there are a number qualifications that every state requires to teach at the public school level. Request information from multiple schools to find the best program and educational opportunity for you!