National Accreditation

In 2018-19, employers rated their first-year teachers at a mean of 3.48 (on a 4-point scale), indicating satisfaction with their preparation for teaching, though not ranking as high as the Completers (3.73 on a 4-point scale) but higher than First Year Teachers (3.40). The highest indicator was STD 12.4 The teacher maintains a professional demeanor and appearance, and displays dependability, punctuality, and perseverance (3.91), and the lowest was STD 7.1 The teachers plan instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals (3.13 on a 4-point scale). For 2018-19, employers rated their third-year teachers (3.74), higher than the employers of first year teachers (3.48).

The same surveys were used with Employers of First Year Teachers, Employers of Third Year Teachers, First Year Teachers, and Completers at Exit. Sheets 3-4 of the Composite Survey Data plots the 2 highest and lowest scores of each group (completers, first year teachers, and employers).

In 2018-19, employers of third year teachers rated their preparation the highest at 3.74 (on a 4-point scale), with completers next highest at 3.73. Employers of first year teachers ranked them at 3.48, slightly higher than the first year teachers rated themselves (3.40). None of mean scores of the three groups rated UNK completers below a 3.00, indicating that all groups believed UNK completers were prepared to be effective teachers as defined by the NE InTASC Standards.

In 2018-19, completers’ mean for all indicators was 3.73 on a 4-point scale, indicating that completers felt they were well-prepared to teach. The highest indicator was STD 12.4 - The teacher maintains a professional demeanor and appearance, and displays dependability, punctuality, and perseverance (3.91), and the lowest were STD. 8.3 - The teachers utilize available technology for instruction and assessment and STD. 10.2 - The teachers seek opportunities, including appropriate technology, to collaborate with students, families, colleagues, and other school professionals, and community members to ensure student growth (both had a mean of 3.55).

In 2018-19, the mean for all indicators was 3.40 on a 4-point scale, indicating that First Year Teachers felt they were well-prepared to teach. The highest indicator was STD 12.1- The teacher demonstrates passion, self-awareness, initiative and enthusiasm (3.73). The lowest was STD 7.1 Planning for all students to meet rigorous learning goals (3.13).

The candidate milestones are Admission to Teacher Education, Admission to Clinical Practice, and Completion.

The Completer or Graduation Rates have been somewhat volatile since 2013. After a downward trend from 2013 to 2016, 2017-18 showed an increase of students being admitted to the Teacher Education program. In 2018-19, the number of those being admitted dropped (-12.37%), and the number of students admitted to Clinical Practice (student-teaching) has also decreased from 216 students in 2016-17 to 213 in 2017-18 to the number being admitted to clinical practice in 2018-19 being 206 (-3.29%). The number of students completing the program from 2016-17 to 2018-19 showed the same downward trend.  These declines follow national and state trends of teacher shortages and fewer students seeking degrees in Teacher Education. 

The GPA mean continued its upward trend for candidates being admitted to TE from 2013-2019 (an overall increase of 7.33%, with slight increases each year). GPAs for admission to Clinical Practice (student-teaching) have been a bit more volatile during this same time period though there has been an overall upward trend from 3.45 in 2013-14 to 3.66 in 2018-19.  Lastly, there has been an upward trend in each of the years from 2013-14 to 2018-19 of 5.2% for Program Completers.

UNK Current Average Cost of Attendance

Average salary for teachers in Nebraska and across the U.S. (U.S. bureau of labor statistics)

UNK Student Loan Default Rates