Teach in Nebraska
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How to find teaching jobs in Nebraska
Nebraska teaching jobs typically require a Bachelor’s degree and a teaching license in a subject of specialization. At public schools in Nebraska, ESL, foreign language, math, science and special education are in particularly high demand. However, there are lots of opportunities for K12 teachers in all subjects to teach in public, private and charter schools across Nebraska in a mix of rural and city locations. Salaries for teachers in Nebraska are also highly competitive, especially compared with the relatively low cost of living throughout the state.
Options for teaching in Nebraska
With over 300,000 pre-K-12 students enrolled in public schools in Nebraska, there’s no shortage of job opportunities for teachers looking to teach in Nebraska at the kindergarten, elementary, middle or high school level.
How to earn your Nebraska teaching license
There are three types of teaching certificates available to educators in Nebraska, granted by the Nebraska Department of Education:
- Teaching Initial Certificate
- Teaching Standard Certificate
- Teaching Professional Certificate
These teacher certification programs can be taken either online or onsite. A full list of accredited teacher prep programs can be found on the Nebraska Department of Education site.
Nebraska teaching education requirements
Teachers in Nebraska are expected to have, at minimum, a Bachelor’s degree in education.
Alternative teacher certification in Nebraska
Mid-career professionals as well as non-education graduates looking to become teachers in Nebraska are eligible to qualify for the Nebraska Transitional Teaching Certificate via the Transitional Certification Program (TCP), offered by the Nebraska Department of Education and the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK).
To qualify, candidates are required to hold a Bachelor's degree or higher and to have completed a pre-teaching seminar on diversity, classroom management, curriculum planning as well as instructional strategies. Candidates are also required to show proof that a Nebraska school district is prepared to employ them.
Certificate reciprocity in Nebraska
The process of transferring teaching certification from one state to a different state is called certification reciprocity.
Nebraska does not currently have reciprocity with other US states via The National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement for Educator Licensure. However, if you are an American licensed teacher, you may still be able to obtain your Nebraska teaching certification through a limited-term regional exchange agreement, pending satisfactory completion of all state requirements.
Required tests for teachers in Nebraska
If you’re looking to become a certified teacher in Nebraska, you will first need pass the Praxis I Pre-Professional Skills Test in Reading (minimum score of 170), Writing (minimum score of 172) and Math (minimum score of 171) to receive an Initial, Standard or Professional level teaching certificate. Next, you will need to pass PRAXIS II content area test relevant to the subject and grade you want to teach in Nebraska.
Other requirements to teach in Nebraska
In order to be certified to teach in Nebraska, you will also need to undertake a background check and fingerprinting at both the state and federal levels. You are also required to complete approved courses in Human Relations Training and Special Education Training.
Salary and benefits for teachers in Nebraska
While teaching salaries in Nebraska vary between school districts, the average salary for a Nebraska certified teacher is $47,402 USD. As teachers in Nebraska gain more experience and further their education, they are eligible to receive pay increases that reflect their professional growth.
Teachers in Nebraska typically get around 15 weeks of vacation, as well as access to affordable health insurance for themselves and their family members through the Educators Health Alliance (EHA)
Nebraska teacher shortage areas (by subject)
Subjects that are currently experiencing a shortage of teachers in Nebraska include the following: art, English, foreign languages, social studies, math, music, science and special education.
Professional development for teachers in Nebraska
To keep their Nebraska teaching certificate valid, Nebraska teachers are required to complete professional development hours on an ongoing basis.
Top districts to find teaching jobs in Nebraska
- Elkhorn Public Schools
- Millard Public Schools
- North Bend Central Public Schools
- Westside Community Schools
- Lincoln Public Schools
- Papillion-La Vista School District
- York Public Schools
- Ansley Public Schools
- Auburn Public Schools
Teaching in Nebraska at a Glance
| Number of public schools | 1,090 |
| Number of teachers | 22,103 |
| Number of students | 303,505 |
| Average teacher salary | $47,400 |
| Budget | $6.2 billion |
| Teacher certification requirements | Praxis I Core Academic Skills test and Praxis II content test |
| Teacher certification reciprocity | Out-of-state teachers can qualify for certification in Nebraska through the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, with the exception of the following states: Alaska, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, and New Jersey |
| State professional development requirements | 6 semester hours |