In Nebraska, teachers must renew their teaching certificates periodically to maintain active licensure. The renewal requirements vary based on the type of certificate and the time elapsed since its expiration.

Renewal Requirements for Current Certificates or Certificates Expired Less Than Five Years:

Educators must fulfill one of the following within the five years preceding the application:

• Teaching Experience: Complete at least one year of half-time or more teaching in a legally operated school system.
• Graduate Coursework: Earn six graduate semester hours in education or the content area of endorsement.

Renewal Requirements for Certificates Expired More Than Five Years:

Educators are required to complete fifteen specific graduate semester hours in education within the five years prior to application. This coursework must include:

1. Instructional Techniques Course: Strategies and methods for effective teaching.
2. Practicum: A minimum of 100 clock hours in a classroom setting, with at least half involving direct instructional duties under supervision.
3. Current Issues in Education Course(s): Topics such as special education, gifted education, content area literacy, or school law.
4. Endorsement-Specific Coursework: Additional courses directly related to the educator's endorsement area.

Happy Teacher can help Nebraska educators meet these requirements.

• Happy Teacher works with HLC-accredited universities to help Nebraska educators earn six semester hours of college credit.
• Happy Teacher partners with Upper Iowa University to help Nebraska educators earn a Master’s in Education degree for only $10,000!

Certificate Hours by Semester Credit

Wondering how many hours are listed on your Certificate of Completion? Here's the breakdown:

• 1 semester credit = 15 hours
• 2 semester credits = 30 hours
• 3 semester credits = 45 hours

Important: Renewal requirements are subject to change. We recommend consulting the Nebraska Department of Education’s website to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.

Here are courses popular with Nebraska educators:

• AI For Educators 
• Effective Classroom Management
• The Five Components of Reading
• The ABC’s of 504’s and IEP’s
• English Language Learners: Practical Strategies for Educators