Get SET Nebraska
About:
Get SET Nebraska is a comprehensive statewide mentorship and professional development program designed to support special education teachers (SET) and school administrators serving students ages 3-21. The program’s purpose is to help retain special education teachers and ensure schools can improve academic and behavioral outcomes for all students.
Get SET Nebraska uses a comprehensive approach — integrating mentorship and professional development — to support special education teachers and administrators across the state. Through these efforts, we hope to guide, empower, and inspire special education teachers as they continue to deliver high-quality instruction to students with special needs.
History:
In 2020, the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) Office of Special Education (OSE) was awarded a competitive grant from the U.S. Department of Education–Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS).
Through a collaborative approach between the UNL’s Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families and Schools, ESU 13 (Scottsbluff), and the NDE Office of Special Education, modules were developed to address the importance of special education teacher induction, mentoring, and retention. The NDE created a data collection tool to gather meaningful data points from Nebraska school systems that implemented the modules and compare them with non-participating schools.
As the grant ends in July 2026, the Office of Special Education has developed this public facing webpage for access to materials and resources. Sustainability of Special Education teacher retention efforts is key in maintaining a vibrant workforce. Get SET modules for administrators, mentors, and mentees will empower educators who in return can empower students.
