Become a Teacher in Nebraska

Important Note: Education licensure requirements, statistics and other information are subject to change. CertificationMap.com makes its best effort to keep content accurate; however, the official sources are the state education departments. Please confirm licensing requirements with your state before applying for licensure or renewal. Last updated: 10/17/2016

This page is sponsored by our partner Rossier Online, a master level teaching degree program delivered online that enables you to earn a Master’s degree and teaching credential. Learn more about how the University of Southern California can help you become a transformative teacher in Nebraska.

To become a certified teacher in Nebraska, you will need to fulfill these requirements:

• Step One: Complete a bachelor's degree and other prerequisite coursework required.
• Step Two: Complete a state-approved teacher preparation program
• Step Three: Pass required exams.
• Step Four: Submit a Nebraska teaching credential application.

Our goal is to make this process as easy as possible, and we are dedicated to updating CertificationMap.com with new information on a regular basis.

Step One: Nebraska Prerequisite Coursework

All states require that certified teachers at a minimum have a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, some states have undergraduate credit hour requirements for certification in specialty areas. Nebraska, however, does not have any undergraduate credit hour requirements.

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Master’s Requirements

Many schools of education now offer online MAT programs that provide increased flexibility by allowing aspiring or working teachers to attend class and complete coursework from any location that has an Internet connection. Online MAT programs are a practical option for students who have professional and personal commitments that make it difficult to obtain teaching certification through a full-time program.

The best online programs offer the same curriculum as the school’s on-campus program and apply the same admission requirements. Providing students with the ability to communicate with instructors and classmates in a face-to-face online environment is another hallmark of a good online program. In addition, candidates in online MAT programs should be provided with the opportunity to complete student teaching fieldwork in the local community.

Click to learn more about getting your MAT online with our partner USC Rossier School of Education.

Step Two: Nebraska Teacher Preparation

Teacher preparation in Nebraska includes the completion of an accredited, state-approved teacher education program.

Typically, teacher education programs consist of a combination of curricula and fieldwork. The curricula often include instruction on foundational knowledge and skills, pedagogy (or the art and science of teaching), and preparing students to research, design, and implement learning experiences in their field of study. The fieldwork component can include field observations, student teaching, and an internship.

While the involvement in an education program may seem financially daunting, a number of financial resources specifically for teachers exist around the country. For more information on this, visit our page on scholarships for teachers. For more scholarships exclusive to the State of Nebraska, visit our Nebraska Teacher Scholarships page.

Alternative Certification

Graduates of accredited colleges or universities whose bachelor’s degree was not in education, and who have not yet earned a traditional teaching certificate, can still receive an alternative teaching certificate by satisfying certain requirements. Click to see the Certification Map page on Nebraska Alternative Certification Programs. Click to view the Nebraska Department of Education’s list of available teacher certifications for first-time Nebraska teachers. 

All teaching candidates are required to complete and pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators exam to be admitted into a Nebraska-approved education preparation program and subsequently, apply for certification. As of 2015, ETS discontinued the Praxis I: Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST), but the Nebraska Department of Education will still accept passing scores from that test.

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Step Three: Nebraska Required Tests

To become a certified teacher in the State of Nebraska, candidates must complete three statutory assessment requirements. These requirements are in addition to any supplemental tests required for specific types of Nebraska teacher licensure and/or subject areas.

• Basic Skills Competency
• Special Education Training
• Human Relations Training

Basic Skills Assessment

All teaching candidates are required to complete and pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators exam to be admitted into a Nebraska-approved education preparation program and subsequently, apply for certification. As of 2015, ETS discontinued the Praxis I: Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST), but the Nebraska Department of Education will still accept passing scores from that test.

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Step Four: Nebraska Application Requirements

The Nebraska Teacher Certification Interactive Website provides assistance to teaching candidates, determining the most appropriate certification requirements and process based on their educational and professional background.

Nebraska teaching candidates who have not lived in Nebraska continuously for the five years immediately preceding their application must submit to a fingerprint clearance and state/federal background check before becoming a certified teacher. Visit Nebraska’s Teacher Certification Office website for a list of supplemental forms and an online application.

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Nebraska Certification Reciprocity

Nebraska will accept some teaching credentials from all but the following states: Alaska, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, and New Jersey. Contact the Nebraska Department of Education to inquire about your specific situation. Please see our interstate reciprocity disclaimer for more information.

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Nebraska Teacher Salary

• Incentives to teach in high-needs schools or shortage subject areas: The Nebraska Department of Education provides loan forgiveness support for teachers teaching in low-income schools and in shortage subject areas as designated by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Policies in place that articulate elements of effective induction: Nebraska has no induction policies in place.
• Average Elementary Teacher Salary: $50,710, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Average Secondary Teacher Salary: $51,320, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Average Number of Vacation Weeks Per Year: 15

Teacher salaries were provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ May 2015 Occupational Employment Statistics report.

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Nebraska Certification Resources & Links

• Nebraska Department of Education

Office of Teacher Certification
PO Box 94987
Lincoln, Nebraska 68509
402-471-0739

• Nebraska Teacher Tenure
• Troops to Teachers Nebraska: In Nebraska, Troops to Teachers is managed by the Missouri Region Office.
• Teachers Test Prep: Free online Praxis Study Guides and Praxis Practice Tests, and a variety of preparation options to meet your individual needs, including prep classes, private tutoring, and online prep.
• Become a Substitute Teacher in Nebraska