Returning to Learning: The Need for Teacher Education

Educators know that learning is a lifelong endeavor—especially as best practices for effective teaching and learning must evolve to meet students’ needs. The University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) helps educators keep current with strategies they can implement immediately in the classroom.

Online teacher education programs at UNK meet a need for Nebraska’s educators by sharpening their skills in areas that are most beneficial for students—but also for their careers.

“The variety of online programs that UNK offers allows teachers to really focus on a specific area that they are not only interested in, but also that a school needs or professional job requires,” said Sarah Bartling, online program coordinator in the Department of Teacher Education. “Specifically in teacher education fields, there are four online master’s degree programs with more than 15 concentration or emphasis areas, plus endorsement opportunities.”

What sets UNK apart from institutions that offer similar online programs in teacher education is the personal experience—from smaller online class settings to personalized support and online student services.

“Our students receive on-on-one communications not only from me, but also from our faculty,” Bartling said. “When students know they are significant and not just another number or name, that stands out. The UNK experience makes our programs that much more effective and shows how a similar approach can also work for their own classroom and students.”

True to form as educators, those in the Department of Teacher Education are always planning ahead for new opportunities that best meet their students’ needs.

“I look forward to the growth of online teacher education programs and know that UNK will continue to provide exceptional opportunities that help teachers grow in their fields of study,” Bartling said.

Improve your teaching by applying to an online teacher education program by October 15 to begin in spring semester, March 15 for summer semester, or June 15 for fall semester. See all available online programs through UNK Online.