Alternative Program Teaching Permit
General Information
Who Applies?
- An Alternative Program Teaching Permit is for individuals who do not meet the requirements for a regular teaching certificate OR applicants who hold/previously held a teaching certificate but do not meet the requirements to renew.
Where is it valid?
- An Alternative Program Teaching Permit is valid in the Nebraska school system that is requesting the permit.
When does it expire?
- An Alternative Program Teaching Permit expires September 30 in the second year following the year of issuance.
Who qualifies?
- In order to qualify for an Alternative Program Teaching Permit, applicants must have completed a Bachelor’s Degree program, have a plan in place with a college to finish their educator preparation program and have a job offer from a Nebraska school system OR
- Previously held a regular teaching certificate in Nebraska or another state.
Does this permit lead to a full teaching certificate?
- An Alternative Program Teaching Permit requires applicants to complete coursework to finish their educator preparation program or meet the renewal requirements for an expired regular teaching certificate. A full certificate may be granted once an applicant has completed their educator preparation program.
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 if someone has lived outside of Nebraska in the past five years and has never held a NE certificate or permit.)
- Official Transcripts will need to be requested from the applicant to be sent to us directly from the university. These can be sent to nde.tcertweb@nebraska.gov.
- If you haven’t held a regular teaching certificate in the past:
- Submit an Alternative Program Teaching Permit form completed by a college or university.
- If completing a program through a Nebraska college, this form will be requested directly by our office.
- If completing a program out-of-state, the institution will need to fill this form out. They will also need to ensure they meet our endorsement requirements.
- Submit an Alternative Program Teaching Permit form completed by a college or university.
- If you have held a regular teaching certificate in the past:
- Submit an Alternative Program Teaching-Admin Renewal Form completed by your district administrator.
- Have a job offer and request from a Nebraska school system
Renewals
In order to renew your Alternative Program Teaching Permit, you will need to submit:
- Application and fee through TEACH
- Have official transcripts sent in showing 15 credit hours towards your program completed
- Updated Alternative Program Teaching Permit Form
- A request from a Nebraska School System
If you have completed your Alternative Program, you may be eligible to apply for your initial teaching certificate.
FAQs
What institution should I complete my program at?
- Each Nebraska institution offers different endorsement programs. Ensure that whatever institution you would like to attend offers your endorsement program. An endorsement is what you are wanting to teach. For example, if someone wanted to teach secondary math, then they would look for an institution that offers a Math 6-12 endorsement. More information on what institutions offer can be found here: About the Programs – Nebraska Department of Education
How long does it take to get my permit?
- The sooner you apply, the better. Each institution has it’s own process from signing off on alternative permits. Be aware of all the steps you will need to take with the institution. These could include: applying to get into the college, meeting the requirements for entrance, leaving enough time for transcript review and registering for your first classes. Be in contact with your institution to determine your next steps.
Do I need a job to get this permit?
- Yes, in order to get an alternative program teaching permit, you do need a job. However, if you don’t have one yet but are wanting to pursue a career in teaching, you can still apply to be in a program with an institution.
Can I obtain an alternative program teaching permit with an out-of-state institution?
- Yes you are able to attend an out-of-state institution, however the out-of-state institution needs to meet our endorsement requirements and be willing to sign off on an alternative program teaching permit form. Check with the institution to be sure they are willing to fill out the appropriate paperwork needed.
Do I need to have a bachelors degree?
- Yes one of the requirements for this permit is that you need to hold a bachelors degree. The degree does not need to be in what you are wanting to teach.
Do I need to complete any testing?
- With recent updates in our rules and regulations, there is no testing required to obtain the permit. Once you complete your program, you will also not need to take a test.
What happens if I cannot get the 15 credit hours complete to renew in the two years?
- If you don’t meet the renewal requirements, we will be unable to give you an alternative permit. We would only be able to give you what you qualify for. Once you obtain those 15 credit hours, you may get another alternative permit.
I have held a teaching certificate in the past and just need to renew, what do I need to know?
- In order to renew your teaching certificate, you would be on an alternative to obtain 6-semester credit hours from an institution or equivalent professional development. More information on equivalent professional development can be found here: Equivalent Professional Development – Nebraska Department of Education