Temporary Certificates
General Information
Who applies?
- A temporary teaching certificate is for applicants that are hired as paras and meet the following requirements: At least 48 hours and 2 years from a college/university accredited by the US Department of Education or has obtained an associates degree, is employed as a para professional an elementary, middle or high school and has passed any appropriate subject area content examinations as designated by the board.
Where is it valid?
- A temporary teaching certificate is valid only in the school system that is requesting the certificate.
When does it expire?
- A temporary teaching certificate is a 2-year certificate that expires September 30th in the 2nd year following the year of issuance. This certificate is not renewable.
What are the requirements?
- An application and fee in the TEACH system (Please note that registration for TEACH is required first; then application can be submitted.)
- Fingerprints (required only if someone has lived outside of Nebraska in the past five years and has never held a NE certificate/permit)
- Official Transcript(s) directly from the college showing at least 48 credit hours
- Passing score on the Praxis Content test that corresponds with teaching area.
- Contract with school district for being hired as a para.
Renewals
A temporary teaching certificate is valid for two years and cannot be renewed. After the temporary teaching certificate expires, you need to meet one of the following:
- Have finished an educator preparation program and apply for an initial teaching certificate OR
- Obtained at least a bachelor’s degree and move to an alternative program teaching permit
FAQs
I don’t see an option to apply for a temporary teaching certificate on TEACH. How do I apply?
- At this time, a temporary teaching certificate is not available to apply for. Please apply for an alternative program teaching permit and then send us a message at nde.tcertweb@nebraska.gov letting us know you are wanting to apply for a temporary. We will change your application over in the back office.
Can I get a conditional while I wait on test scores?
- No, unfortunately we are unable to issue a conditional while we are waiting for confirmation of content test scores. We will need to see the passing content test score in order to issue a temporary certificate.
What if I am unable to pass the content test?
- We do need a passing content test score in order to qualify for this certificate.
Do I need to be a para currently?
- Yes, one of the requirements for this certificate is to be currently hired as a para.
What content test do I need to take?
- Information about what content test is needed for what endorsement can be found here: Praxis Content Test – Nebraska Department of Education
What if the endorsement that I want isn’t on the list?
- Only endorsements that are on the list of approved Praxis tests/scores can be used to obtain a temporary teaching certificate.
What if I can’t finish the program in two years? Can this certificate be renewed?
- This certificate may not be renewed. After two years, you need to meet one of the following: 1) complete an educator preparation program OR 2) complete at least a bachelors degree in order to move to an alternative program teaching permit.