LINCOLN- As a result of legislation passed this year in the Nebraska Legislature, Nebraskans can now participate in an online teacher certification program called American Board, which was founded by the U.S. Department of Education to offer an alternate path for future teachers who didn't go to school for education.

The legislation, initially spearheaded by State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, was introduced to address Nebraska's teacher shortage, and was amended into a substantial education package of 23 bills. The new pathway allows Nebraskans with a bachelor's degree to get their teaching certificate without attending a traditional in-person teacher preparation program usually operated by a college or university.

"With this legislation, it specifically does not call for an expiration of any permit," said David Jespersen, a spokesman for the Nebraska Department of Education, "The way it is right now, at least, if they got the American Board certificate, they would get an alternative path to teach and it would not have an expiration." Despite this, concerns have arisen over the educational effectiveness of such expedited programs.

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