The Transitional Certification Program (TCP) at UNK is an online alternative teacher certification pathway for individuals with a baccalaureate degree or higher who wish to earn an Initial Teaching Certificate issued by the Nebraska Department of Education. Students who meet the qualifications to start the TCP are also eligible to be hired by a Nebraska public school to start teaching in their endorsement area.
View more information about TCP
You may enroll in the TCP in one of the endorsements below either with or without an employment offer from a school to teach .5 to 1.0 FTE in the endorsement area:
NOTE: Certification in Elementary Education or Special Education is not currently pursuable through the Transitional Certification Program.
NOTE: Please be aware that some misdemeanor and felony convictions can prevent applicants from participating in a UNK Teacher Education program and obtaining a Nebraska teaching certificate. If you have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, even if it has been set aside, please contact Jenny Jansky, Certification Officer, for more information.
Follow the steps below to determine if you qualify:
1. Complete the Request for Transcript Review form. (The completion of this form does not admit you to the program, nor does it authorize your transcripts to be sent automatically.)
2. Have official transcripts, sent by each institution from which you have received college credit, to:
University of Nebraska Kearney
Graduate Studies
1910 University Drive- CMCT 210
Kearney, NE 68849
Email: unktcp@unk.edu
After your review has been completed you will receive your Program of Study as well as your next steps via the email listed on your request form. (See Program Admission Requirements below.)
Admission to the program may be delayed if the admission instructions are not followed.
Please know that every education program contains a significant number of field experience hours (time spent observing and/or teaching in PK-12 school settings). Field Experience includes:
The program consists of:
Depending on previous academic work completed based on the transcript review, there may be additional coursework required in the specific endorsement area of choice. Additional courses required will be indicated on a program of study that will be emailed to you after your transcripts have been reviewed.
**This online 18-credit-hour professional education coursework can be completed in a minimum of two academic years:
Professional Sequence Coursework
Arrangements will be made for participants to complete their practicum hours in their local or nearby school systems. Program participants who are already employed by a school district will complete their practicum and student teaching in the school systems in which they are employed, in their own classrooms. Because practicum arrangements are made with participating school systems and communities across the state, UNK’s Transitional Certification Program is available to participants who physically reside in Nebraska or are within commuting distance to a Nebraska school system.
For Students Who Are Teachers on an Alternative Permit:
For Students Pursuing Initial Certification without a Teaching Position
Questions? Contact:
Suzette Eppler
Online Coordinator for TCP Program
CMCT 216
Kearney, NE 68849
308-865-8644 | unktcp@unk.edu
University of Nebraska at Kearney
College of Education Building
1615 W 24th St
Kearney, NE 68849