Understanding the Nebraska Teacher Certification Process

Start the journey to become certified to teach in Nebraska with a flexible, affordable program that fits your schedule. Complete your classroom training online, receive personalized advisor support, and meet the requirements you need to become a certified educator in Nebraska. 

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Next Steps to Nebraska Teaching Certification


Everyone starts with the same core path, though your timeline will depend on your pathway choice, exam schedule, and how you pace your coursework.

Enroll in Program

Choose between the program path that best fits your goals: Essential or Advanced.

Complete Training

Complete all coursework and program requirements, and pass required exams.

Begin Teaching

Congrats! After you finish program requirements and exams, you will apply for certification and become eligible to teach!

Approved Certification Areas

Nebraska Teachers of Tomorrow currently certifies candidates in the following subjects: 

  • Biology
  • Business, Marketing, and Information Technology
  • Chemistry
  • Early Childhood Inclusive
  • Earth and Space Science
  • Elementary Education
  • English Language Arts
  • Health and Physical Education
  • History
  • Mathematics
  • Middle Level English Language Arts
  • Middle Level Mathematics
  • Middle Level Science
  • Middle Level Social Science
  • Physical Education
  • Physics
  • Science
  • Secondary English
  • Social Studies
  • Special Education Generalist
  • World Language – Spanish
Teacher with students

A Closer Look at the Program


Nebraska Teachers of Tomorrow offers two flexible certification pathways to prepare you for certification. Each provides the training, tools, and support needed for classroom success, while the Advanced Program includes additional coursework, projects, and certification support for those seeking a higher level of preparation.

ESSENTIAL

Core training that provides the training, tools, and support needed for classroom success:

  • Coursework: 70-90 hours
  • 5 core topics
  • 1-2 projects*
  • Content Exam Prep
  • Professional Learning Exam Prep
  • Methods Course

*Projects are graded assignments submitted by candidates to demonstrate their ability to apply the material they’ve learned in their recent coursework. They assess practical skills that candidates will need in the classroom, such as classroom management, lesson planning, and adjusting lessons to meet the needs of all students.

ADVANCED

In addition to the Essential Program, you will have additional courses, a Field Coach, and additional certification support:

  • Coursework: up to 140 hours
  • 6 core topics
  • 3-4 projects
  • Content Exam Prep
  • Professional Learning Exam Prep
  • Methods Course
  • Additional certification support
  • Field Coaching: 1-3

 

 

 

What are the Admission Requirements?

Nebraska Teachers of Tomorrow requires a few simple steps to be considered for admission into the program:

  • Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor’s degree from an institutionally accredited university is required.
  • Undergraduate Transcripts: Official transcripts with a minimum 2.0 GPA are required to verify your degree. Transcripts must be sent directly from the university to Teachers of Tomorrow.
  • Submit Free Online Application.
  • Interview with Enrollment Advisor.
  • Complete Dispositions Screener.
  • Accept Admissions Offer, Pay Enrollment Fee, and Complete Paperwork.

Ready. Set. Apply.

What Happens When I Am Accepted?

After acceptance, you’ll officially enroll in the program and gain access to your online coursework. You’ll work with a Program Advisor who provides routine check-ins to help you stay on track. Your advisor will also connect you to self-service resources, including our Knowledge Base and online chat.

Apply now for free

What Should I Expect Once
I Am In The Program?


While in the program, you will complete online coursework and work to pass required exams. Those who choose the Advanced pathway will also receive additional field coaching support.

Coursework Requirements

Complete online, on-demand classroom readiness training.

  • Essential Program: 70-90 coursework hours
  • Advanced Program: up to 140 coursework hours

Exam Requirements

Pass required exams for your certification area(s)

  • Praxis Content Exam (exams required depend on certification area)
  • Professional Knowledge Exam (exam required depends on certification area

Apply for Certification

Once you complete all program requirements, you will work directly with your school district and the Nebraska Department of Education to apply for your Alternative Teaching Certificate.

What Type of Certification Will I Receive?

Nebraska Teachers of Tomorrow interns earn a Nebraska Alternative Teaching Certificate after successfully completing all program requirements.

  • Issued by the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE)
  • Allows you to teach in Nebraska schools
  • Valid for 2 years and can be renewed every 2 years
  • Earned after you complete the full program and required exams
  • Includes district support and mentoring during your first semester in the classroom

Important: You must complete the Teachers of Tomorrow program before applying for this certificate.

Let the journey begin

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