Certification
Certification
Individuals applying for a Nebraska certificate or permit apply through Nebraska TEACH. Information on how to apply for an initial teaching certificate will be provided to students during their 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.
Renewals
Visit Nebraska Department of Education’s Certificate Renewals for information on renewal requirements.
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.
Additional Endorsement
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.
Policies and Procedures Relating to Advanced Program Field Experiences
Forgivable Loan Programs
As of April 15, 2026, you can access the application portal for the 3 Forgivable Loan Programs for the 2026-2027 academic period.
EETP: Access the application on the CCPE website. Keep in mind that you need to apply for courses you will be taking in the 2026-2027 academic calendar year (Fall 2026-Spring 2027-Summer 2027).
AETP: Access the application on the CCPE website.
AETP-ST: Access the application on the CCPE website.
The application window for the Forgivable Loan Programs is closed. Check the CCPE website for details!
Mentor Teaching Microcredential Course
Are you interested in working with a Student Teacher? This 10-15 hour course is designed to support classroom teachers in effectively mentoring student teachers during their clinical practice experience. By the end of the course, participants will feel confident in guiding future educators while strengthening their own instructional and leadership practices.
