Teachers of the Year

Nebraska’s 2019 Teacher of the Year Sydney Jensen presented to the board for the last time. The 2020 Teacher of the Year Megan Helberg introduced herself at the board meeting following the Teacher of the Year luncheon ceremony. Jensen said it has been a busy year with trips to Washington D.C. and the Nasa Space Camp.  She said she will take what she learned this year and help her school and students continue to grow. Helberg said she is excited to get started on her big year and is ready to hit the ground running.

Social Studies Standards Approved

Social studies educators, administrators, Educational Service Unit staff, and postsecondary representatives, led by the Nebraska Department of Education, began the work of revising
the 2012 Nebraska Social Studies Standards last year. The revised “Nebraska Social Studies Standards,” create the framework for social studies education including civics, economics, geography, and history in Nebraska. The board voted unanimously to approve the new Standards.

Nebraska Social Studies Standards

Model Policies for School Resource Officers and Security Guards

The Nebraska Legislature passed LB390 during the 2019 spring session, charging the Nebraska Department of Education to develop a model policy regarding the responsibilities school resource Officers and security guards should carry out in schools. Board members granted the Commissioner the authority to create the model policy. Stakeholders are being asked to provide feedback on the current drafts.

MOU for School Resource Officers

MOU for Security Guards

2020 State Board Meeting Dates

The State Board of Education approved the proposed 2020 State Board meeting dates. Generally, the board meets on the first Thursday and Friday after the first Monday of the month with no meeting taking place in July.

State Board 2020 Meeting Schedule

Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) Annual Report

The NDE has established the Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) to provide advice and policy guidance with respect to special education and related services for children with disabilities in Nebraska. The State Board approves SEAC membership annually and receives advice and comments from SEAC throughout the year on special education issues. The board was given the 2018-19 SEAC Annual Report.

SEAC Annual Report