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 Arts and Sciences, 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 100 and TE 831P. Transfer students who have taken the equivalent of TE 100 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).
Student Teaching Handbook - The Student Teaching Handbook is a resource for student teachers, cooperating teachers, supervisors, and administrators.
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 a program requirement for initial certification in Nebraska. Additionally, the Nebraska Department of Education requires the Praxis Subject Assessment (sometimes referred to as a content test or Praxis II) for certification. View the Praxis resources and information page for additional information.
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.
Deadline to apply to the AETP program is Friday, October 15, 2021 at 5:00pm
32 AETP Forgivable Loans Available to UNK Students
What is AETP?
The Attracting Excellence to Teaching Program (AETP) provides forgivable loans to eligible students who are enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate teacher education program working toward their initial certificate to teach in Nebraska.Eligible students may apply for a $3,000 AETP forgivable loan. Forgivable loans will be awarded in the spring of 2022.
All qualified applicants will be considered. Students planning to complete their programs during the 2022 calendar year will be given first priority. If the number of qualified 2022 program completers exceeds the allotted awards, a lottery will be used. Similarly, a lottery will be used to choose additional students if less than the allotted number of 2022 program completers qualify.
Return your application and contract to the Educator Certification Office, COE C128, 1615 W. 24 St., Kearney, NE 68849, by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 15, 2021. Do not send your application and contract to the Nebraska Department of Education.
Only paper copies containing an original signature received on or before October 15, 2021 will be accepted. Do not send faxes or electronic copies of the application and contract, including scans or photos. You may hand deliver your application and contract to the Educator Certification Office or send by mail or carrier. Allow enough time so that your application and contract arrives by October 15, 2021. Questions send email to eco@unk.edu or kelcy.sass@nebraska.gov.
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
