The Initial Program at the Advanced Level for Certification prepares candidates to teach in elementary grades (K-6), in secondary grades (7-12 in an area in which Doane endorses individuals) and in special education grades (K-12). Secondary endorsement areas include the sciences, mathematics, social sciences, English, language arts, foreign languages, and art (K-12).
Through a series of coursework, practicum, and internship experiences, candidates may complete the program in four or five terms (Summer I, Fall, Spring, Summer II and Fall II for elementary and special education students ONLY).
Thirty-seven credit hours of graduate coursework for secondary certification, 58 credit hours of graduate coursework for elementary and 72 credit hours of graduate coursework for special education are required for Initial Certification. Additional coursework may be required in the content area for 7-12 certification. Students begin the program in the summer term only. Upon completion of the coursework, students may apply for licensure in the state of Nebraska.
Content Testing:
Effective September 1, 2015, candidates applying for any initial endorsement(s) to be placed on a Nebraska certificate must provide evidence they have passed the required Praxis II content test for the endorsement. Students can check the ETS website (ets.org) for the particular test required for each content area endorsement and the qualifying score.
Tuition Stipends Available Through the NSF Noyce STEM Grant
A five year, $1.2M National Science Foundation (NSF) grant awarded to Doane will be used to respond to the critical need for highly effective science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) teachers in high need rural and urban schools. The project will recruit, prepare, and support two cohorts of Doane students: 1) Undergraduate STEM content majors; and 2) STEM bachelor/masters/doctoral degree holders interested in the teaching profession. Project SERVE will provide $18,000 stipends to 15 STEM professionals (three per year) pursuing a teaching certification through Doane’s Initial Program at the Advanced Level for Certification (Fast Track). As per Noyce program guidance, a STEM professional in Project SERVE will be a person holding a baccalaureate, master’s, or doctoral degree in a STEM discipline and has recently graduated, or who are working in or has had a career in such a field or related area, including retirees from STEM professions.
Carrie L. Rath Ed.D. Director - Initial Certification at the Advanced Level Assistant Professor, College of Education
402.467.9073 carrie.rath@doane.edu
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