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.
It defines the successes of students in UNK’s College of Fine Arts and Humanities, whether in the humanities, the liberal arts, or fine arts.
Curriculum in the College of Education is designed to be student-centered and intellectually challenging, while preparing students through field and internship experiences.
We provide value to Nebraska by preparing students to compete in dynamic professional environments and by promoting academic, social, technological and economic development.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
View Student Teaching fall 2021 Application Materials
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 100GS and TE 831P. Transfer students who have taken the equivalent of TE 100GS 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).
Students are required to attend a student teaching workshop two semesters before they plan to student teach. Multiple workshops are offered in November and April. (Fall student teachers attend one November workshop; spring student teachers attend one April workshop.) Due to COVID, there will not be any face-to-face workshops.
"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.
Policies and Procedures Relating to Advanced Program Field Experiences
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.
Practicum experiences are arranged with the Director of Field Experiences. View more information on renewal and additional endorsement practicums.
Nebraska’s Attracting Excellence to Teaching Program (AETP) provides forgivable loans to eligible students who are working toward initial certification. The application period for 2021 awards has closed. The application period for 2022 is expected to open by October 2022. Please check back at that time for current information.
Jenny Jansky
308-865-8266
Certification Officer and Director of Educator Certification
Kristy Buchmeier
308-865-8264
Certification | Post-baccalaureate Programs
Office Associate
Jane Blum
308-865-8416
Director of Field Experiences
Lori Frickey
308-865-8937
Admission to Teacher Education and Student Teaching
Office Associate
Educator Certification Office
COE Bldg. Room C128 | 1615 W. 24th Street | Kearney, NE 68849
Phone: 308-865-8264