Students academically ready to student teach in Spring 2026 should complete the Student Teaching Application using the link below. If you're unsure that you are academically ready to student teach, contact your advisor.
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.
Students apply for admission to Teacher Education in TE 100. Students who transfer in TE 100 can apply as soon as they enroll at UNK. 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 their sophomore year.
"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).
Student Teaching Handbook - The Student Teaching Handbook is a resource for student teachers, cooperating teachers, supervisors, and administrators.
Individuals applying for a Nebraska certificate or permit apply through Nebraska TEACH. Information on applying for certification is provided to students during their final student teaching semester.
The Nebraska Department of Education does not allow students with felonies and certain misdemeanors to participate in field experiences, including student teaching. Additionally, certificate and permit applications from individuals with felonies and certain misdemeanors will not be approved. "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). Contact the UNK certification officer if you believe this might apply to you.
If you need credit hours to renew your teaching certificate, the Teacher Education Graduate Information page provides a slate of online Teacher Education courses available through UNK. Click on TE (Teacher Education) Course Rotations or TESE (Special Education) Course Rotations tabs for renewal courses.
Visit UNK Online for admissions, tuition information, and much more.
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.
