Coming Soon: American Board in Nebraska
Future teachers in Nebraska will soon have faster and more affordable access to teacher certification. Teacher certification is a crucial step in ensuring that students receive instruction from qualified professionals. But, as education evolves, so do the pathways to become a teacher. One such change is being seen in Nebraska with the passage of a new teacher certification bill. This new law allows for alternative certification in the state, paving a way for programs like American Board in Nebraska.
Background Information
Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) oversees teacher certification in the state. To obtain an initial teaching certificate in Nebraska, candidates typically need a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in education. This degree program also includes a teacher certification program including state tests and required student teaching. This university-based route, known as the traditional route, is how most Nebraska teachers become certified; but it can be expensive and time consuming.
New Pathways – Alternative Certification
LB603, introduced by Senator Linehan from District 39 during the 2023 legislative session, was developed to provide a pathway for individuals with a bachelor’s degree and who’ve completed specific alternative teacher certification programs to receive a teaching certificate. This opened certification granting to more than just traditional universities, while maintaining a level of proven success. According to new rules, these alternative programs must be operated by organizations with a significant presence (in at least five states) and a history of operation (a minimum of ten years).
As noted, candidates using this pathway must already hold an accredited degree. Furthermore, the candidates must pass both a subject area exam and a pedagogy exam. This new avenue serves a more diverse range of future teachers in Nebraska, addressing the teacher shortage.
“This bill is not lowering the standards for teacher certification,” she said. “This provides an alternative route for teacher certification.” LB603 was later amended into a larger education package, and signed into law by Governor Jim Pillen on June 1, 2023. Interestingly, the state saw such a need for the immediate implementation of the provisions within this law that it was signed with an “emergency clause” making it effective faster than typical.
The Right Path For You?
Nebraska offers multiple certificates, including the Initial, Standard, and Professional certificate. Fortunately, the new law ensures that those entering via the alternative route can transition their alternative certification to a standard one, aligning them with traditionally trained peers. This is crucial to ensuring that all teachers, no matter their path to the classroom, receive the same treatment.
Regardless of the route taken, Nebraska teachers must participate in ongoing professional development to renew their certificates. Typically, this involves earning a certain number of continuing education units (CEUs) or college credits in a five-year period.
By clicking the image above or link here, you can learn more about American Board’s program in Nebraska. Use this time to sign up for a free trial! There is no credit card required and you can use this time to learn about the program and it’s teacher certification requirements. American Board will be fully live in Nebraska in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!
Conclusion
The 2023 work of the Nebraska legislature showcases adaptability in the educational landscape, potentially increasing its pool of qualified teachers. Such measures reflect a proactive approach to meet its demands while ensuring students receive quality instruction.
