Nebraska Needs Great Teachers. Be One.
There’s more than one path to becoming an educator, and UNK can help you find the one that fits your life. Whether you’re just starting college, transferring, changing careers, or looking for your next step, you'll find flexible programs and clear pathways to help you reach your goals.
Your pathway at UNK: Traditional Four-Year Teacher Preparation
Start at UNK as a freshman, complete your education coursework and clinical experiences, and student teach during your senior year.
How it works
- Begin at UNK as a freshman.
- Complete your teaching degree and field experiences.
- Student teach during your senior year.
Teacher Scholars Program
Traditional students are encouraged to apply to the selective Teacher Scholars Program, offering scholarships, mentoring, professional learning, Nebraska school visits, and 6–9 credits of cohorted classes.
I’m attending a community college: I plan to transfer after my second year
Your pathway at UNK: Guided Community College Transfer
Begin at a Nebraska community college and follow a guided transfer pathway that aligns general education coursework with UNK's teacher preparation requirements.
How it works
- Complete two years at a Nebraska community college.
- Work with your academic advisor to follow UNK's guided transfer pathway.
- Transfer to UNK at the beginning of your junior year.
I’d like to transfer earlier (after my first year at a community college)
Your pathway at UNK: Early Community College Transfer
Start at a community college, transfer after your first year, and complete remaining AA/AS degree requirements at UNK during your sophomore year while beginning teacher education coursework.
How it works
- Complete your first year at a community college.
- Transfer to UNK for your sophomore year.
- Finish remaining AA/AS requirements at UNK and begin teacher education coursework.
Your pathway at UNK: Online Early Childhood Inclusive
Prepare to teach children from birth through third grade through UNK's flexible online Early Childhood Inclusive program.
How it works
- Explore the Early Childhood Inclusive endorsement.
- Review your previous credits and program requirements.
- Complete online coursework and required clinical experiences.
Your pathway at UNK: Online Paraeducator-to-Special Education Pathway (in development)
Continue working while pursuing an online bachelor's degree designed for paraeducators who want to become certified special education teachers.
How it works
- Review eligibility and transferable credits.
- Pursue your bachelor's degree through the online program.
- Complete the required preparation and certification steps.
I’m exploring teaching, changing careers, or working as a teacher of record, but need my initial teaching certification.
Your pathway at UNK: Post-Baccalaureate and Graduate Pathways
Explore UNK's Transitional Certification Program and other post-baccalaureate or graduate opportunities. These pathways serve career changers, teachers of record, and classified school employees with bachelor's degrees.
How it works
- Identify your intended teaching field.
- Have your degree and prior coursework reviewed.
- Explore the Transitional Certification Program or another appropriate preparation route.
(I’m exploring teaching, changing careers, or working as a teacher of record, but need my initial teaching certification)
If you already have a bachelor's degree
Your pathway at UNK: Post-Baccalaureate and Graduate Pathways
Explore UNK's Transitional Certification Program and other post-baccalaureate or graduate opportunities. These pathways serve career changers, teachers of record, and classified school employees with bachelor's degrees.
How it works
- Identify your intended teaching field.
- Have your degree and prior coursework reviewed.
- Explore the Transitional Certification Program or another appropriate preparation route.
If you don't have a degree
Your pathway at UNK: Online Early Childhood Inclusive
Prepare to teach children from birth through third grade through UNK's flexible online Early Childhood Inclusive program.
How it works
- Explore the Early Childhood Inclusive endorsement.
- Review your previous credits and program requirements.
- Complete online coursework and required clinical experiences.
If you're looking for other options
The Educator Certification Office is happy to help you explore further options. The office can be reached via email at eco@unk.edu.
To obtain a local substitute teaching permit, you need to have 48 hours of college credit and completed the Human Relations Training microcredential through UNK Advance.
The Educator Certification Office is happy to assist you with your interest in adding and endorsement. The office can be reached via email at eco@unk.edu.
Dual Credit requires 18 graduate level credits in the content area where you plan to teach dual credit. Our Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a secondary concentration qualifies you to teach dual credit. You can also explore some of our additional MAE programs for specialized content area degrees.
Our Educator Certification Office is happy to assist you with your interest in adding and endorsement. The office can be reached via email at eco@unk.edu.
