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:

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 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

Resources for Educator Certification

Certification “Cheat Sheet”– a two-page breakdown of all certificates and permits

BPP Registration and how to document– Use this document for BPP access

BPP Link

Certification Contact Information

Main Certification Office: 402-471-0739  nde.tcertweb@nebraska.gov 

Director: 402-405-2661  katelyn.larsen@nebraska.gov 

Assistant Director: 531-893-2985 molly.barnett@nebraska.gov

Updated September 27, 2024 2:26pm