Endorsement and Certification

Almost every state requires licensing of teachers. In Nebraska, these licenses are called certificates and are issued to persons who complete approved teacher preparation programs at the graduate or undergraduate level. Once a person has obtained a basic teaching certificate, it is possible to add additional specialization areas (called endorsements) to one's basic teaching certificate.

Students With Current Teaching Certificate

Teachers already holding a standard teaching certificate (early childhood, elementary or secondary) can pursue additional teaching endorsements with the Nebraska Department of Education once they have completed the approved programs of study. The Division of Special Education offers the following teaching endorsement programs at the graduate level for teachers already holding a standard teaching certificate:

Deaf Education (Pre-12)   See Dr. Malinda Eccarius
Early Childhood Special Education (Birth to age 5)   See Dr. Chris Marvin
Severe Disabilities/ Autism (Pre-12) See Dr. Ellin Siegel
Visually Impaired (Pre-12)  See Dr. Tessa Wright 
Supervisor of Special Education See Dr. Reece Peterson
Mild/Moderate Disabilities (K-6 or 7-12) See Dr. Sue Kemp or Dr. Marilyn Scheffler
School Transition Specialist-Special Services Certificate See Dr. Gary Meers

To receive certification as a school administrator requires an administrative certificate parallel to those for teachers.  Administrative Certificates are offered through UNL's Department of Educational Administration.  The administrative certificate program in special education, Supervisor of Special Education, may be completed concurrently with a graduate degree in Special Education.  This program requires application and admission to both of the departments. Each of these eight programs may be completed concurrently with, or independent of, the requirements for a Master's degree at UNL. 

Students Without Current Teaching Certificate

Persons who do not hold a standard teaching certificate can complete requirements for a Teaching Certificate in special education in one of two areas:

* Early Childhood Special Education (Preschool Handicapped) Certificate
* Mild/Moderately Disabilities (K-6 or 7-12) Certificate