Alternative Certificates
General Information
Who applies?
- An Alternative Teaching Certificate is for applicants who have completed one of the recognized specific programs for this certificate type.
Where is it valid?
- An Alternative Teaching Certificate is valid for teaching in all Nebraska schools.
When does it expire?
- An Alternative Teaching Certificate is a 2-year certificate and expires September 30th in the 2nd year following the year of issuance.
What programs are approved in Nebraska?
- American Board and iTeach are the programs that are approved for an Alternative Certificate.
What are the requirements?
- An application and fee in the TEACH system (Please note that registration for TEACH is required first; then an application can be submitted.)
- Fingerprints (required only if someone has lived outside of Nebraska in the past five years and has not held a certificate/permit through Nebraska)
- Official Transcript(s) showing Bachelor’s Degree earned.
- Submit evidence of having successfully completed an alternative teacher certification program operated by an organization approved by Nebraska.
Renewal
There are currently no specific renewal requirements for an Alternative Certificate besides an application and a fee.
Alternative Certificate will not lead to a regular teaching certificate in Nebraska. In order to obtain a regular teaching certificate, applicants will need to go through an Alternative Program Teaching Program through an institution.
Alternative Certificates cannot lead to added endorsements or Administrative Certificates.
FAQs
Where do I send my transcripts?
- Transcripts need to be sent to NDE directly from the college. You should be able to go onto your institutions website and order the transcripts to be sent either by mail or through email. If emailed, they need to be sent to nde.tcertweb@nebraska.gov. If you are choosing to mail them, please send them to Nebraska Department of Education, c/o Educator Certification P.O. Box 94987 Lincoln, NE 68509
Can I get a conditional while I am working through the program?
- In order to get the Alternative Certificate, you will need to have completed your full program. We cannot issue anything until the program has been completed.
How will you know I have finished the program?
- Each program is different but most often you will receive a certificate or paperwork that shows you completed the requirements for their program.
Is there anything additional I will need to do for renewal?
- At this time, there is nothing additional needed for renewals. You will just need to apply and pay the fee.
How do I move to a regular teaching certificate?
- If you are wanting to move to a regular teaching certificate (initial, standard or professional), you will need to complete an Alternative Program through a college/institution. This includes if you are wanting to add an endorsement or move to an Administrative Certificate.