Students who have recently declared a teacher education program should complete the Teacher Education Application using the link below. If you are unsure if you have declared a program, contact your advisor.
Students academically ready to student teach in Spring 2026 should complete the Student Teaching Application using the link below. If you're unsure that you are academically ready to student teach, contact your advisor.
The Educator Certification Office serves as a resource center for future educators. Students are assisted as they apply to the Teacher Education program, gain admission to the program, are placed to student teach, and apply for certification.
Admission requirements and the Teacher Education application are furnished to students in TE 100 and TE 831P. Undergraduate students who transfer in TE 100 will receive an email from the Office of Educator Certification. Students are urged to work closely with their advisors in order to qualify for admission in a timely manner. Most students should plan on being admitted by the middle of their sophomore year. Transitional Certification Students should be admitted while enrolled in TE 831P or TE 832.
"Persons who have felony convictions, or misdemeanor convictions involving abuse, neglect, or sexual misconduct, as defined in Section 005.07A, are automatically rejected by the Department [of Education, Nebraska] for certification, and may only be considered for certification, or participation in pre-student teaching field, laboratory, and classroom experiences or student teaching with the approval of the Commissioner or the Board" (Title 92, Nebraska Administrative Code, Chapter 20). Additionally, "All applicants shall not have an emotional or mental incapacity to practice the profession as evidenced by a legal adjudication or determination thereof by other lawful means" (Title 92, Nebraska Administrative Code, Chapter 21).
Student Teaching Handbook - The Student Teaching Handbook is a resource for student teachers, cooperating teachers, supervisors, and administrators.
Individuals applying for a Nebraska certificate or permit apply through Nebraska TEACH. Information on applying for certification is provided to students during their final student teaching semester.
The Nebraska Department of Education does not allow students with felonies and certain misdemeanors to participate in field experiences, including student teaching. Additionally, certificate and permit applications from individuals with felonies and certain misdemeanors will not be approved. "Persons who have felony convictions, or misdemeanor convictions involving abuse, neglect, or sexual misconduct, as defined in Section 005.07A, are automatically rejected by the Department [of Education, Nebraska] for certification, and may only be considered for certification, or participation in pre-student teaching field, laboratory, and classroom experiences or student teaching with the approval of the Commissioner or the Board" (Title 92, Nebraska Administrative Code, Chapter 20). Additionally, "All applicants shall not have an emotional or mental incapacity to practice the profession as evidenced by a legal adjudication or determination thereof by other lawful means" (Title 92, Nebraska Administrative Code, Chapter 21). Contact the UNK certification officer if you believe this might apply to you.
If you need credit hours to renew your teaching certificate, the Teacher Education Renewal Course Options provides a slate of online courses available through UNK.
Visit UNK Online for course schedules, admissions, tuition information, and much more.
The Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Tests are no longer required by the Nebraska Department of Education for educator certification. The Nebraska Department of Education continues to require the Praxis content tests for certification.
Individuals who hold a baccalaureate degree may enter a post-baccalaureate program in order to qualify for initial teacher certification.
"Persons who have felony convictions, or misdemeanor convictions involving abuse, neglect, or sexual misconduct, as defined in Section 005.07A, are automatically rejected by the Department [of Education, Nebraska] for certification, and may only be considered for certification, or participation in pre-student teaching field, laboratory, and classroom experiences or student teaching with the approval of the Commissioner or the Board" (Title 92, Nebraska Administrative Code, Chapter 20). Additionally, "All applicants shall not have an emotional or mental incapacity to practice the profession as evidenced by a legal adjudication or determination thereof by other lawful means" (Title 92, Nebraska Administrative Code, Chapter 21).
Individuals seeking an additional endorsement should establish a program through the Educator Certification Office. Call 308-865-8264 or send an email to ECO@unk.edu.
Transfer students will meet with a representative from the Educator Certification Office on Transfer Day. Students transferring in TE 100 should go to the Educator Certification Office to complete an application to the Teacher Education Program.
We're excited to share that the application for the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education's Attracting Excellence in Teaching Program (AETP) forgivable loan is tentatively scheduled to open on May 8, 2025. Please visit the CCPE website for the application, requirements, and the latest updates.
Questions about the program can be directed to the CCPE or etp@unk.edu.
We're excited to share that the application for the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education's Attracting Excellence in Teaching Program-Student Teaching (AETP-ST) forgivable loan is tentatively scheduled to open on May 8, 2025. Please visit the CCPE website for the application, requirements, and the latest updates.
Questions about the program can be directed to the CCPE or etp@unk.edu.
We're excited to share that the application for the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education's Enhancing Excellence in Teaching Program (EETP) forgivable loan is tentatively scheduled to open on May 8, 2025. Please visit the CCPE website for the application, requirements, and the latest updates.
Given the high demand, we encourage you to apply promptly. Historically, EETP funds have been fully allocated within a short period after the application launch, often within a day or two. Submitting your application early will help secure your place and maximize your opportunity for loan consideration.
Please also note that due to a new application process, the program of study form may not list all available courses. If a course you intend to take is not currently listed, we recommend exploring alternative courses that are included on the form and considering how they might fit into your academic plan.
Questions about the program can be directed to the CCPE or etp@unk.edu.
