Drawing on our expertise and research, 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 at UNK, whether in the humanities, sciences, education, or business.
Rich tradition. Bright future.
Curriculum at UNK 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.
Admission requirements and the Teacher Education application are furnished to students in TE 100 and TE 831P. Undergraduate students who transfer in TE 100 will receive an email from the Office of Educator Certification. 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. 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).
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 Renewal Course Options provides a slate of online courses available through UNK.
Visit UNK Online for course schedules, admissions, tuition information, and much more.
The Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Tests are no longer required by the Nebraska Department of Education for educator certification. The Nebraska Department of Education continues to require the Praxis content tests for certification.
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.
Planning to be a teacher? You may qualify for an Attracting Excellence to Teaching Program (AETP) forgivable loan! The Nebraska Department of Education is offering 27 awards of $3,000 each to UNK students seeking initial teacher certification.
The application period for 2024 has closed. Please check back again in 2025.
The AETP-ST application is open for students who anticipate student teaching in the Fall 2024 or Spring 2025 semester. Read through the requirements and apply now! Applications are due to UNK on June 21, 2024. Two important instructions to follow: 1) Complete page 1 of the application. Do not complete page 2; your application will be routed for the appropriate signatures. 2) Email your application to ECO@UNK.edualong with a note telling us when you plan to student teach, Fall 2024 or Spring 2025.
New breakthroughs
The power of imagination
Rich tradition. Bright future.
Taking care of business
