Transform Education Together
Experience — Community — Scholarship
Practical experience, vibrant community, and active scholarship form the backbone of UNK's Teacher Education program. At UNK, students participate in early and frequent classroom experiences through practicums and student teaching, supported by strong partnerships with schools across Nebraska that offer diverse, authentic learning environments.
Students work and grow together, supported by experienced faculty and staff who work closely with candidates through guided mentoring that builds confidence, strengthens skills and ensures they are professionally ready to succeed as future educators. This approach encourages reflection, connection and a commitment to community, helping students develop into thoughtful, community-minded educators.
UNK's teaching programs are grounded in evidence-based instructional practices, and courses emphasize strong communication, critical thinking, and inclusive teaching. By weaving these skills throughout our programs, students are empowered not only to teach effectively on day one, but also to shape the future of education.
UNK graduates enter the classroom as innovators, problem-solvers and leaders who inspire curiosity, connect to community and place, and help young people thrive.
Undergraduate Programs
Graduate Programs
Beyond the Classroom
Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate Research
UNK’s Undergraduate Research Program offers teacher education students the opportunity work alongside our expert teacher education faculty to explore meaningful questions about teaching, learning and child development through hands-on, faculty-guided research.
Whether examining instructional practices, studying educational psychology or investigating issues that impact schools and communities, students gain valuable experience that strengthens their professional preparation. By engaging in research early in their academic journey, future teachers learn to think critically, analyze data and apply evidence-based practices—skills that directly enhance their effectiveness in the classroom.
Student Organizations
Vibrant Student Organizations
UNK’s Teacher Education programs offer a variety of student organizations that help future educators build community, develop leadership skills, and connect classroom learning with real-world practice. Through groups such as the Elementary Educators’ Club, Aspiring Educators, S.O. College, Middle Level & Secondary Education Clubs, students gain professional experience, participate in service activities and form supportive networks that enrich their preparation as teachers.
Teacher Scholars Program
Teacher Scholars Academy
The Teacher Scholars Academy at UNK is a selective, cohort-based program designed for high-achieving students who are committed to becoming exceptional educators. Through enriched coursework, leadership development, mentorship and specialized field experiences, Teacher Scholars gain a strong professional foundation while building a supportive community of peers. This academy empowers future teachers to excel academically, grow as leaders and make a lasting impact in schools and communities.
Experiential Learning
Experiential Learning
Experiential learning is central to teacher education at UNK, providing students with frequent, meaningful opportunities to apply their coursework in real classrooms. From early practicums to full student-teaching placements, students work directly with children, educators and school communities across Nebraska. These hands-on experiences build confidence, strengthen understanding of effective teaching practices and equip future educators with the practical skills needed to succeed from day one.
UNK teacher candidates also engage in a wide range of experiential opportunities beyond traditional placements. They can earn credit through study-abroad programs that compare educational systems worldwide; design and teach summer courses for elementary students through UNK’s Loper Launch program; work at the Kearney Community Learning Center (KCLC); serve as para-educators in local schools; and volunteer with the Hanny Arram Center for Student Success—among many other enriching options.
Careers in Education
Careers in Education
Graduates of UNK’s teacher education programs are well prepared for a wide range of careers in today’s schools and educational settings. With strong classroom experience, evidence-based training and deep professional support, UNK alumni become successful elementary and secondary teachers, special educators, early childhood specialists, instructional coaches and leaders in school and community programs. Many also pursue roles in counseling, administration or educational outreach. Wherever they go, UNK graduates are equipped to make a meaningful impact on students, families and communities.
Transfer Pathways
Transfer to UNK
Transferring to UNK for teacher education is a smooth, supportive process designed to help future educators stay on track and thrive. Transfer students benefit from personalized advising, a clear pathway for evaluating previous coursework and immediate access to hands-on field experiences. With strong partnerships in schools across Nebraska and a reputation for preparing top-quality teachers, UNK provides transfer students with the academic foundation, practical training and community support they need to succeed in their programs and launch rewarding careers in education.
Post-bacc Initial Certification Programs
Post-Baccalaureate Transitional Certification Program
The University of Nebraska at Kearney’s online Post-Baccalaureate Transitional Certification Program (TCP) is your pathway to becoming a certified teacher in Nebraska, even if your bachelor’s degree is not in education. If you already have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, this flexible, online program allows you to earn your Initial Teaching Certificate while balancing your personal and professional commitments.
We offer initial certification programs at the graduate level in PK-12, elementary education, middle-grades education, secondary education, and special education.
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“Every single professor I have had at the College of Education is passionate about their job and will do whatever they can to support every student who is in their class. No matter how many questions I ask or how long my conversations are with them, they make me feel valued and reassure me that I am in the right place, going down the right path.”
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“I don’t feel overwhelmed by anything that I’ll be doing in the real world. I feel like I’m very well prepared. The classes here were great. All of my professors were super nice and helpful. It was a great experience here at UNK for sure.”
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"It was very challenging not having my mom here in the United States. That pushed me to do better in school because I knew someday I wanted to give her a better future."
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"We have always had a wonderful relationship with the College of Education. If we had an idea, UNK was always willing to consider the idea and would commit people and resources to it. I have nothing but great things to say about our relationship with UNK.”
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“I’m grateful for UNK’s Transitional Certification Program, as it enabled me to take the knowledge I already had and turn it into an entirely new career. I'm not sure why I never considered teaching as a career when I started at UNK, but I truly feel like it's my calling. I feel blessed that UNK was able to help me turn my skills into a career, all without having to attend school full time and leave my young family.”
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“We have turnover and the need for additional staffing all the time. The bulk of our hires come from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. They’re well-prepared and very familiar with the diverse clientele they’ll serve in the classroom. I spent about 20 years as a school administrator in the state of Georgia, so I had some exposure to a vast number of teacher preparation programs. UNK’s is second to none in my opinion.”
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“Beginning in our TE100 classes, we got in the classroom and were able to see what that looks like before working our way into teaching. You know what you’re getting yourself into pretty early in the program. … I grew up in a small town, so UNK was the perfect size for me. The class sizes were really nice, and I just felt comfortable. I absolutely recommend UNK.”
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“UNK is big enough to offer a lot of variety, but small enough that you’re not a number. Your professors get to know you really well, and they can help you focus on your strengths and improve your weaknesses.”
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“I wouldn’t trade UNK teacher education for anything, and I mean that with all sincerity. You know you’re getting quality when a UNK student applies.”
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“If I had questions, especially the first couple of years I taught, I emailed some of my former professors and they responded. It’s pretty awesome to have that support system even after you leave.”
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"I graduated from UNK in 2015. I am currently teaching Kindergarten through 5th grade Physical Education at Alcott Elementary in Hastings, NE. I am very happy I chose the Physical Education program at UNK as it has provided me with the best preparation in becoming a Physical Educator, while also providing me with a vast amount of quality professional and educational experiences. I was able to earn my teaching job and continue to grow as an educator thanks to the program and it’s fantastic staff of professors who provided their students with a positive, nurturing, and passionate educational experience." -
“When I decided to come to UNK, I didn't know if I was going to get involved or anything like that, but through my classes and, meeting new people, and being surrounded by some amazing peers, I got to appreciate what making a different is like, and the reason I chose my major was because I wanted to make a difference in others' lives.”
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“In Teacher Education we have field experiences literally right when you start on campus. We’re not just there observing, we’re teaching lesson plans and doing a lot of different activities with them as well. It has given me a bigger opportunity to grow as a teacher.”
In the News
A Champion for Every Child: UNK senior Ariana Bishop supports students as a deaf educator
The Power of Words: UNK junior Abby Trantham turns passion for storytelling into purpose-driven career path
UNK students build skills – and bonds – through America Reads tutoring program
Small Town Pride: UNK alum Tye Spies leads the Loomis Wolves as a teacher and coach
Loper Spotlight: Jazmynne Fangmeyer gains hands-on experience in early childhood education
UNK part of $1.3M project to boost early literacy in Nebraska
Learning Beyond Borders: UNK students broaden horizons through summer study abroad programs
UNK alum Tanner Ellis changes career, then changes lives as Ravenna business teacher
Upcoming Events
Accreditation
Teacher Education programs are all approved by the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) and accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
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