NEBRASKA
STATE RESOURCES

Bachelor’s degree in special education or a post-baccalaureate with initial certification, with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA 

The NDE requires that all teachers complete a teacher preparation program from their approved list. Those who have attended an approved and accredited Nebraska university or college for their bachelor’s degree will often include this on their resumes.   

The special education training required by the NDE is not the same as obtaining a special education endorsement. This course helps educators understand the major characteristics of disabilities as defined under the Special Education Act and provides methods for teaching students with various disabilities in the regular classroom.  

• As of May 16, 2023, the NDE has dropped its Praxis Core (basic skills) testing requirement for certification. However, the content tests are still required for certain endorsements.  Special education candidates must take the Praxis II Content Exam – 5355 Special Education Foundational Knowledge 

In order to become a special educator in Nebraska, candidates must: 

• Complete a bachelor’s degree and submit the transcripts directly from the institution 

• Complete an approved teacher preparation program and submit institutional verification 

• Provide proof of completion of special education and human relations training 

• Submit fingerprinting cards 

• Submit content test scores 

Learn more from the Nebraska Department of Education: https://www.education.ne.gov/tcert/ 

The Nebraska Department of Education provides several alternative pathways to professional licensing: 

• Military Permit – Must hold a valid out-of-state teaching certificate to qualify for this certificate type

• Alternative Permit – Must have a BA degree, plan in place with a college and job offer. This permit type can be renewed and will lead to initial certification.

• Alternative Certificates – Must have a BA degree and have completed an approved alternative program. This certificate can be renewed but does not lead to initial certification.

• Temporary Teaching Certificates – Must have at least 48 credit hours, be a para for a school system, and pass the appropriate content test. This certificate cannot be renewed.

If individuals hold a current initial/standard/professional teaching certificate, they can add a special education endorsement by successfully passing the Praxis II content exam: https://www.education.ne.gov/tcert/gtchcert/#1707851503900-1bc26b16-3f3a   

The Nebraska Department of Education maintains a list of approved educator preparation programs: https://www.education.ne.gov/educatorprep/about-the-programs/programs-in-nebraska/ 

• Nebraska CEC - https://nebraska.exceptionalchildren.org/ 

• Get SET Nebraska - https://getsetnebraska.org/    

• Attracting Excellence in Teaching Program (AETP)- https://www.education.ne.gov/educatorprep/aetp/  

• Attracting Excellence in Teaching Program AETP – Student Teaching https://ccpe.nebraska.gov/aetp-student-teaching 

• Enhancing Excellence in Teaching Program- https://www.education.ne.gov/educatorprep/eetp-current-teachers/