Drawing on our expertise and research, we serve the diverse needs of the community. Our faculty is dedicated to enabling students to use scientific approaches to discovery and understanding.
The power of imagination
It defines the successes of students in UNK’s College of Fine Arts and Humanities, whether in the humanities, the liberal arts, or fine arts.
Rich tradition. Bright future.
Curriculum in the College of Education is designed to be student-centered and intellectually challenging, while preparing students through field and internship experiences.
Taking care of business
We provide value to Nebraska by preparing students to compete in dynamic professional environments and by promoting academic, social, technological and economic development.
The Educator Certification Office serves as a resource center for future educators. Students are assisted as they apply to the Teacher Education program, gain admission to the program, are placed to student teach, and apply for certification. Transfer students are urged to visit with Educator Certification Office representatives on Transfer Day or at any time.
Admission requirements and the Teacher Education application are furnished to students in TE 100GS and TE 831P. Transfer students who have taken the equivalent of TE 100GS elsewhere receive an application at Transfer Day. Students are urged to work closely with their advisors in order to qualify for admission in a timely manner. Most students should plan on being admitted by the middle of the their sophomore year. Transitional Certification Students should be admitted while enrolled in TE 831P or TE 832.
"Persons who have felony convictions, or misdemeanor convictions involving abuse, neglect, or sexual misconduct, as defined in Section 005.07A, are automatically rejected by the Department [of Education, Nebraska] for certification, and may only be considered for certification, or participation in pre-student teaching field, laboratory, and classroom experiences or student teaching with the approval of the Commissioner or the Board" (Title 92, Nebraska Administrative Code, Chapter 20). Additionally, "All applicants shall not have an emotional or mental incapacity to practice the profession as evidenced by a legal adjudication or determination thereof by other lawful means" (Title 92, Nebraska Administrative Code, Chapter 21).
Students are required to attend a student teaching workshop two semesters before they plan to student teach. Multiple workshops are offered in November and April. (Fall student teachers attend one November workshop; spring student teachers attend one April workshop.)
All individuals requiring institutional verification from UNK must complete an institutional verification consent form. Information on applying for certification is provided to students during their final student teaching semester.
"Persons who have felony convictions, or misdemeanor convictions involving abuse, neglect, or sexual misconduct, as defined in Section 005.07A, are automatically rejected by the Department [of Education, Nebraska] for certification, and may only be considered for certification, or participation in pre-student teaching field, laboratory, and classroom experiences or student teaching with the approval of the Commissioner or the Board" (Title 92, Nebraska Administrative Code, Chapter 20). Additionally, "All applicants shall not have an emotional or mental incapacity to practice the profession as evidenced by a legal adjudication or determination thereof by other lawful means" (Title 92, Nebraska Administrative Code, Chapter 21).
The Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Tests are required for certification in Nebraska and are part of all undergraduate education programs at UNK. On September 1, 2014, the Praxis I PPST exams were replaced with the Praxis Core. If you have passed the Praxis I PPST, you are not required to take the Praxis Core.
The Praxis Subject Assessments (formerly Praxis II) are required for certification in Nebraska.
To register for an exam, visit https://www.ets.org/praxis/ne?WT.ac=praxishome_states_121126, which will give you an overview of the Nebraska testing requirements. After you have identified the test you need to take, you may register by clicking the "Register Now" button.
For more Praxis information, follow the links below:
Individuals who hold a baccalaureate degree may enter a post-baccalaureate program in order to qualify for initial teacher certification.
"Persons who have felony convictions, or misdemeanor convictions involving abuse, neglect, or sexual misconduct, as defined in Section 005.07A, are automatically rejected by the Department [of Education, Nebraska] for certification, and may only be considered for certification, or participation in pre-student teaching field, laboratory, and classroom experiences or student teaching with the approval of the Commissioner or the Board" (Title 92, Nebraska Administrative Code, Chapter 20). Additionally, "All applicants shall not have an emotional or mental incapacity to practice the profession as evidenced by a legal adjudication or determination thereof by other lawful means" (Title 92, Nebraska Administrative Code, Chapter 21).
Individuals seeking an additional endorsement should establish a program through the Educator Certification Office. Call 308-865-8264 or send an email to ECO@unk.edu.
Transfer students will meet with a representative from the Educator Certification Office on Transfer Day. Students transferring in TE 100 should go to the Educator Certification Office to complete an application to the Teacher Education Program.
Nebraska's Attracting Excellence to Teaching Program (AETP) provides forgivable loans to eligible students who are working toward initial certification. The application period for 2019 awards has closed. The application period for 2020 awards is expected to open by October, 2019. Please check back at that time for current information.
Jenny Jansky 308-865-8266 Certification Officer and Director of Educator Certification
New breakthroughs
The power of imagination
Rich tradition. Bright future.
Taking care of business
