The University of Nebraska at Kearney offers an on-line program for teacher certification. Individuals who have earned a bachelor’s degree (or higher) in a high school subject area may use this option to become certified to teach in the state of Nebraska. This unique program is designed to allow participants the opportunity to maintain their current employment while pursuing the coursework needed to obtain certification.
The on-line professional sequence consists of three, 6-credit hour classes (for a total of 18 credit hours of on-line study) and one, 14-credit hour semester of student teaching – for a total of 32 credit hours in education-related coursework.
(Depending on previous academic work completed, there may be additional coursework required in the specific endorsement subject area of choice.)
Built into each of the on-line courses are several hours of “school-based activities.” Arrangements will be made for participants to observe classrooms in their local or nearby school districts. Observing and working with experienced teachers is an excellent way to learn valuable teaching skills and techniques. Because these arrangements are made with participating school districts across the state, UNK’s on-line teacher certification program is currently available to Nebraska residents only.
There is also a “Community Service Learning” component that requires participants to work with adolescents outside of the classroom setting. Service learning plays an important role in society, and we recognize its significance by including this type of learning activity.
The on-line professional sequence consists of the following:
TE 401 Context of Education 6 credit hours
TE 402 Professional Knowledge and Skills I 6 credit hours
TE 403 Professional Knowledge and Skills II 6 credit hours
TE 400 Student Teaching 14 credit hours
The greatest benefit the on-line program offers its participants is convenience:
Convenience of location – You can remain in your own city or town. Arrangements are made for school-based activities and student teaching to be completed in your local or nearby school district.
Convenience of time – You complete the work according to your own schedule. This allows you to maintain your regular routine (employment, childcare arrangements, other daily obligations).
Potential candidates for this program must complete the following steps:
- Transcripts must be reviewed for appropriate academic preparation.
Send official transcripts to: KASE Office, College of Education Building, University of Nebraska – Kearney, Kearney NE 68849. Include a letter in which you request an academic review indicating the subject area of the endorsement you wish to pursue (i.e. math, English, social sciences, etc.). Please include your contact information (name, address, and phone number).
- After the academic review has been returned to you with a complete listing of content-area deficiencies (if any), contact the Director of the on-line certification program. (Seventy-five percent of the content coursework must be completed prior to beginning the education coursework.) Once you qualify, you will be placed in the next available section.
- Formal application needs to be made to UNK’s Office of Graduate Admissions. This is a non-degree program, so you do not need to take the GRE. But it is a post-baccalaureate program, so it qualifies as graduate school. This application can be made on-line, but you will need to send official transcripts and payment to: Office of Graduate Admissions, Founders Hall, University of Nebraska – Kearney, Kearney NE 68849
- An application will need to be completed for the College of Education. This form is available in the KASE Office, located in the College of Education Building. (Your signature must be notarized.)
The following endorsements for grades 7-12 are available through UNK’s on-line teacher certification program:
