Project RISE | Academic Innovation | University of Nebraska at Kearney

What is Project RISE?

Are you ready to transform your classroom and spark a love for reading in your youngest learners? Project RISE is here to support you! This exciting program, brought to you by the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) and the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE), is designed just for preschool and kindergarten teachers and paraprofessionals like you. With NDE funding and Teaching Strategies’ trusted professional development, Project RISE provides hands-on tools and strategies to help you build strong early literacy skills in your students. Together, we’re giving every child the foundation they need to succeed—and making your work in the classroom even more impactful and rewarding.

Program Benefits

Professional Development Membership: Each participant will receive a free, two-year membership ($1400 value) to Teaching Strategies, esteemed for its exceptional resources and tools.

Optional Earn College Credit: This program is equivalent to six (6) hours of graduate course credit or seven (7) hours of undergraduate credits. While the professional development is free to complete, participants are responsible for the corresponding tuition and fees for their college credit option.

Digital Badges: Participants who complete the program will receive two badges representing completion of microcredentials. These badges can be displayed on your resume/CV, LinkedIn profile, and more to market your professional development.

What is a microcredential? Apply Now

line art image of a two children playing while a woman reads a book

Available Badges

Program Details

Course Format All courses are delivered online.
Course Content 50 hours of on-demand and live coursework. 30+ hours of application activities and professional learning community engagement
Flexible Schedule Self-paced design allows participants to progress at their own speed. Experts recommend allocating at least one year for program completion, though it is a two-year initiative.
Additional Requirements for College Credit Complete a final project and participate in instructor check-ins, surveys, and reflections.

Key Dates

Program Start January 2025
Completion Deadline December 2026
Monthly Cohort Enrollment Applications will close on the last day of the month. All applications received up to that point will be vetted for acceptance. The status of your application will be communicated by the 10th of each month.

Eligibility and Expectations

Workplace Requirements Priority will be given to participants employed in a Nebraska Public School or Head Start preschool or kindergarten classroom or have consistent access to one.
Grant Participation Participants cannot be actively participating in another NDE grant.
Residency Participants must be Nebraska residents
Classroom Requirement Much of the coursework and application activities are designed to be implemented during the school year. Participants will need to have access to a classroom of preschool or kindergarten students
Commitment Be prepared to dedicate time to both coursework and practical applications. While self-paced, planning and consistency are key to success.

Ready to Rise?

Don’t miss this opportunity to advance your professional skills, enrich your classroom strategies, and positively impact young learners.

Apply Today

Are there still spots available to be part of the program?

Yes. We will add a new group on a rolling basis and will begin the next round of review of applications at the beginning of each month. We will continue to add students in this way until all seats are filled, or the timeline of completion is no longer achievable based on recommendations by UNK Teacher Education Program.

Can I take this course for UNK credit? How?

Yes, you may complete the program for 6 graduate/7 undergraduate credit hours. Tuition/fees must be paid in order to receive credit. To pursue the for credit option, contact Sarah Bartling at bartlingseg@unk.edu.

How can I use my credits toward a degree?

For those completing Project RISE for graduate credit, the coursework fulfills a course requirement for either the Curriculum & Instruction M.A.Ed. or the Reading PK-12 M.A.Ed. Both programs are designed for classroom teachers and may be a great fit for those who wish to continue their graduate education in a master's program.

For those completing Project RISE for undergraduate credit, reach out to Paula Thompson at thompsonpj@unk.edu to discuss what program and pathway may work best for you.

What is the course number and title?

TE 499/899P - Special Topics: Foundations of Early Reading
TE 499/899P - Special Topics: Advanced Reading Foundations

When does the student have to enroll in the UNK courses?

The course is designed to offer flexibility, allowing students to take the two courses when it works best for their schedule, only one course per semester. Courses are available during both the Spring and Fall semesters, including Spring 25, Fall 25, Spring 26, and Fall 26.

Students can sign in and begin the Teaching Strategies training beginning January 2025.

The only requirement is that all coursework and requirements be completed by December 12, 2026.

Can a participant use their already created Teaching Strategies account?

No, a new account will be provided by Teaching Strategies. Accounts are created with a username so a student can have multiple accounts tied to the same email.

University of Nebraska at Kearney
- Office of Graduate Studies and Academic Innovation
- UNK Teacher Education
  - Dr. Monica Hansen, Assistant Professor- Reading PK-12 
  - Dr. Paula Thompson, Associate Professor- Early Childhood 
Teaching Strategies
- Dr. Tracie Wieczorek, Early Literacy Trainer tracie.wieczorek@teachingstrategies.com
- Dr. Lesley E. Jennings, Manager of the Early Literacy Certification lesley.j@teachingstrategies.com
Nebraska Department of Education

Program Contact

Karla Rohde
Workforce Development and Data Specialist
rohdek@unk.edu