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Nebraska Teacher Certification and Career Guide

The Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) oversees the state’s teacher certification process, which is detailed below for those looking to learn how to become a teacher in Nebraska. The main steps for the traditional path to teacher certification in Nebraska are:

  1. Complete a bachelor’s degree with a state-approved teacher preparation component.
  2. Complete a student teaching placement.
  3. Pass the required teacher certification exams.
  4. Apply for a teaching certificate or license.
  5. Upgrade your license.

Continue reading to learn more about the traditional certification pathway in Nebraska.

Table of Contents


How to Become a Teacher in Nebraska

This section covers the traditional steps to teacher certification in Nebraska. Nebraska uses a tiered system for teachers:

  • Initial Teaching Certificate (5-year): For first-time teachers who meet the requirements in Nebraska.
  • Standard Teaching Certificate (5-year): For teachers who have been working for two consecutive years in the last five years.
  • Professional Teaching Certificate (10-year): For teachers who have a related master’s degree from an approved school.

Candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree but have not completed a teacher preparation program may be eligible for alternative teacher certification in Nebraska.

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree that includes an approved teacher preparation program.

All applicants pursuing teaching certification in Nebraska must hold a bachelor’s degree and complete an approved educator preparation program (EPP), usually as part of the bachelor’s degree. The major of the bachelor’s degree will depend on the area of teaching and endorsement chosen. You can find a current list of approved EPPs on the NDE website.

You can compare key metrics for state-approved teacher preparation programs on our Nebraska schools page. Our teaching schools guide covers all you need to know about important accreditations to consider, including institutional and programmatic accreditation.

2. Complete a student teaching placement.

As part of your program, you will also complete a student teaching placement, sometimes called an internship. This is typically a full-time, semester-long placement during which you will have opportunities to lead a classroom while paired with an experienced teacher. To meet the requirements for state certification, the student teaching placement should be at the grade level and in the subject you wish to teach. Some programs may offer longer student teaching placements or the opportunity to pursue more than one placement.

3. Pass the required Nebraska teacher exams.

Nebraska State SealBesides completing an educator preparation program, individuals seeking Nebraska teaching certification must also pass the Praxis Subject Assessment administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS) corresponding to their grade level and endorsement area. Since 2023, the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators test has no longer been required for certification, but it still may be required for admission into an approved EPP.

4. Apply for Nebraska teacher certification.

Once all steps to earn Nebraska teacher certification have been completed, candidates can apply for their Initial Teaching Certificate. Application packets must be supported by the following:

  • Official transcripts
  • Passing scores on the required examinations
  • Set of fingerprints for background clearance
  • Additional supporting forms, if applicable
  • Non-refundable fee

Applications should be initiated online through The Educator Application and Certification Hub (TEACH) portal.

5. Upgrade your license.

After teaching for two consecutive years under an Initial Teaching Certificate, you can apply to advance to a Standard Teaching Certificate. Use the “Changing Certificate Type/Level” option in the TEACH portal to advance your license.

Guide to Other Teaching Pathways

Nebraska Teacher Certification Renewal

Initial and Standard Certificate holders in Nebraska must renew their licenses every five years, but most Initial Certificate holders will simply upgrade their licenses rather than renew them. Certificates expire August 31 of the fifth year following issuance. You will need to have one year of experience as a teacher (half-time or more) within five years before the date of the application or six semester credit hours of coursework in education or your content area within the last five years. To renew a certificate, you can use your TEACH account.

Adding Subjects or Grades to a Certificate

Once you receive your teaching certificate, you will only be eligible to work as a teacher in the grade levels and certification areas listed on your certificate, though occasional, temporary exceptions are made. To add an endorsement or area of specialization to your certificate, you must complete a preparation program for that endorsement or take the Praxis test in that content area. For more information, read the Adding Endorsements page.

Nebraska Teaching License Reciprocity

Nebraska does not offer direct reciprocity for teachers licensed in other states, but out-of-state teachers can apply for a similar Nebraska teaching license if they meet the requirements. Teachers from states that are part of the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact can apply by creating a TEACH account and submitting:

  • Copy of out-of-state certification
  • Fingerprints for background check
  • Non-refundable application fee
  • Additional forms, if required

A three-year Nebraska Entry Teaching Permit is also available for out-of-state teachers. This is a non-renewable temporary permit allowing holders to teach in the private or public school system for three years. Read more about licensure for out-of-state teachers on the Out-of-State Certification page.

In addition to teaching certificates, Nebraska offers certificates for administrative and support professionals in the school system. These include:

  • Administrative Certificate: Allows holders to manage offices, departments, or services. Requires a master’s degree in educational leadership, educational administration, or a subject area with a plan to complete additional coursework.
  • Special Services Certificate: For audiologists and school nurses. Requires a degree in the field and a course in human relations.

For more information, review the NDE’s website.

Nebraska Teacher Outlook, Salary, and Jobs

Projected Job Growth

3.6%

Growth in Teaching Jobs in NE through 20322*

There were 1,095 public K-12 schools in Nebraska during the 2017-2018 academic year, serving approximately 323,766 students.3 With an estimated 23,771 public school teachers, this gave Nebraska a student-to-teacher ratio of about 14:1.3

Job prospects for teachers through 2032 are stronger in Nebraska than the expected national averages, with job growth for Nebraska elementary teachers projected at 3.7% compared to 0.7% nationally; for Nebraska middle school teachers, 3.7% compared to 0.8% nationally; and for Nebraska secondary school teachers, 3.7% compared to 1% nationally.2 The table below provides a detailed comparison of job growth prospects and salary levels for Nebraska teachers.

TypeNumber Employed in NE4Average Annual Openings in NE2NE Proj. Job Growth 2022-20322Average Annual Salary in NE425th Percentile Wages in NE575th Percentile Wages in NE5
Preschool Teachers8601103.9%$49,460$35,450$62,490
Preschool Teachers, Special Education701010%$62,890$53,380$68,580
Kindergarten Teachers1,2201603.4%$60,730$50,140$66,490
Elementary School Teachers9,2006803.7%$59,920$49,650$65,030
Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers, Special Education1,4801103.7%$60,950$51,810$66,780
Middle School Teachers3,5103203.7%$61,560$51,110$66,410
Middle School Teachers, Special Education710——$61,420$51,500$65,020
Middle School Teachers, Career/Technical Education250203.8%$59,800$53,280$66,700
Secondary School Teachers7,2005403.7%$61,480$51,210$66,470
Secondary School Teachers, Special Education1,120——$64,300$53,260$73,480
Secondary School Teachers, Career/Technical Education1,260903.5%$63,000$51,440$73,510

*The estimated job growth average is based on projections for mainstream kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school teachers. Projections for other categories, such as special education and career and technical education, may be higher or lower than the average.

Teacher Shortages in Nebraska

According to the US Department of Education Teacher Shortage Area report for 2022-2023, Nebraska broadly has the following shortages:

In addition to these shortages, Nebraska had 137 unfilled positions during the 2022-2023 school year.7 Furthermore, over 625 teachers in Nebraska were considered underqualified for their assignment, which includes teachers assigned to classrooms outside their certification field on a temporary or emergency basis.7

Additional Resources

Related Articles

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What are the requirements to become a high school teacher in Nebraska?

Answer: To qualify for a teaching certificate in the secondary grades, you must have a bachelor’s degree and have completed a teacher preparation program. You must also pass the state’s testing requirements, participate in student teaching in a secondary classroom, and pass a background check.

Question: How many private schools and private school teachers are there in Nebraska?

Answer: According to the latest statistics available, as of the 2019-20 school year, there were 194 private schools in Nebraska, with 2,804 full-time teachers and 35,456 students.8 Teachers at accredited and approved private, denominational, or parochial schools are required to hold a valid Nebraska teaching certificate or permit. Check with private schools in your area to confirm requirements.

References:
1. Nebraska State Department of Education: https://www.education.ne.gov/
2. Projections Central, Long Term Occupational Projections: https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm
3. National Center for Education Statistics, State Nonfiscal Public Elementary/Secondary Education Survey Data, 2017-2018: https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/stnfis.asp
4. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Nebraska: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ne.htm
5. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm
6. US Department of Education, Teacher Shortage Areas: https://tsa.ed.gov/#/reports
7. Teacher Shortages in the United States, Tuan D. Nguyen et al.: https://teachershortages.com/
8. National Center for Education Statistics, Private School Universe Survey, 2019-20: https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/pss/tables/TABLE15fl1920.asp