District Resources
District Frequently Asked Questions
How do we request conditionals?
To request conditionals, you will need to use the google form that is posted on the NDE bulletin or request the form by emailing katelyn.larsen@nebraska.gov or molly.barnett@nebraska.gov.
What can we request a conditional for?
Conditionals may be requested for the following items:
- Fingerprint clearance for the applicant (please note, we must have fingerprint cards and a fee in our office for this).
- Any forms from Nebraska Colleges OR transcripts (please note, we must have one of those two things to issue the conditional).
- Local sub missing an HRT course
- Haven’t passed and/or taken the content test
How does the content test conditional work for the 2nd year?
During the first year on the conditional, if they have not done so, they need to attempt the content test. Once they’ve done that, they can apply to renew their initial. We will need a 2nd conditional request. Once that 2nd year is up, we will request employment verification from their school. This allows us to use their two years in their content area to waive the content test.
How do we determine what Alternative Pathway our applicant qualifies for?
There are currently 7 pathways that we utilize. They are outlined below. It is best practice to have the applicant reach out to the institution they are interested in attending to get more detailed information on their specific process. Please note that ALL alternative pathways require a bachelor’s degree.
- Pathway 1- The applicant is already enrolled in a teacher education program and has completed at least half of the pre-student teaching requirements and 75% of the endorsement classes.
- Pathway 4- The applicant has taken and passed the content test that corresponds with their teaching area. They need to have completed the content test and have results before we can issue the alternative.
- Pathway 5- The applicant studied their content area during their undergrad and has at least 75% of the required classes for their endorsement. (ex: An applicant received their first degree in Biology and now they want to go into teaching Biology).
- Pathway 6- The applicant previously held a teaching certificate from NE or another state but it has been expired for 5 years or less.
- Pathway 7- The applicant previously held a teaching certificate from NE or another state but it has been expired for more than 5 years.
What forms are needed for an alternative?
Our office needs transcripts showing a Bachelor’s degree, an official request from the district and an Alt. Program Permit Form. Pathway 5 also needs an Agreement Statement and Plan for Supervision. These forms are linked below:
- Alternative Program Permit Form: https://www.education.ne.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Alternative-Program-Permit-Form.pdf
- Agreement Statement: https://www.education.ne.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/agreement-statement.pdf
- District Request: https://www.education.ne.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/District-Request-Statement.pdf
How can my district utilize this certification path?
If you have a para or can hire someone as a para that has at least 2 years of college experience with at least 48 credit hours and has taken and passed the praxis content test, you can utilize this certificate path.
What’s the catch?
This certificate is only good for 2 years and cannot be renewed. The applicant utilizing this path will either need to have completed at least a BA degree in 2 years to move to an Alternative or complete their full program.
What are the steps that the district needs to take?
- Request the temporary on the conditional permit request form. This is not a certificate that applicants can just go in and apply for, so we need the request to know that we need to change over the type of certificate.
- Send in a letter or contract for your para that you will be utilizing in the teacher’s role.
How do applicants read their dashboard and communicate with analyst?
On their TEACH dashboard, at the top is secure communication. This is where they will received deficiencies for their application. Below they will see their application status. Check out this document that explains the application progress. How to read the dashboard: https://www.education.ne.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/how-to-read-the-dashboard.pdf
How do we read the Public Lookup?
If the public lookup says that a teacher has an active certificate, they have something active in our system. You should be able to tell if it is a local sub, alternative or full teaching certificate. If a certificate says pending, please know that they do not have that specific certificate active and they may not even have an application in.
How can we check our staff’s expiring certificates?
Once you log in to the BPP portal, you will go to the “reports” button at the top of the page. You will select “Staff Expiration Reports” and “Run”. This will run a list of all your staff who have certificates that are expiring the coming year. This list gets updated as teachers apply and our office issues renewals.
How do we check to see what staff isn’t registered on TEACH?
After logging in to the BPP portal, you will go to “reports” button at the top of the page. Then go to the “Queries” and choose “Staff Not Registered”. It will give you a list of your staff that have not yet registered in the BPP. It is important to help them get registered, or they will not get notified of their certificates expiring.
General Contact: nde.tcertweb@nebraska.gov
Katelyn Larsen: katelyn.larsen@nebraska.gov or 402-405-2661
Molly Barnett: molly.barnett@nebraska.gov or 531-893-2985
Analyst:
- Bethina Garrett: 402-471-2497
- David Smith: 402-471-0949
- Suzanna Perez: 402-471-0958
- Melissa Saathoff: 402-471-1602
- Shawn Gaskill: 402-432-1207
How can we check the legal status of a teacher?
NDE has a public lookup for “Disciplinary Actions” that you are able to utilize. All public actions are recorded on this site. Disciplinary Action – Nebraska Department of Education
What do we do if we need to submit a complaint to the investigations team?
The NDE investigations team will only accept complaints through the complaint form found on their website. They cannot accept complaints typed directly into the body of an email. Complaint Form – Nebraska Department of Education