LINCOLN- The landscape for future Nebraska teachers is on its way to becoming easier to navigate following the revision of several state regulations by the State Board of Education, which were made during its June 2nd meeting. According to Brad Dirksen, an accreditation administrator with the Nebraska Department of Education, the revisions still have to be approved by Attorney General Hilgers and Gov. Pillen before they take effect.

"The Board is really eager to make some real changes in the regulations to hopefully get teachers into the classroom," said Dirksen, "It's really about removing barriers, but also retaining quality of teachers, because we don't want to lower standards for teachers and classrooms." One of the revisions approved by the Board makes it far easier for teachers to regain certificates that have been expired for five or more years to allow for more retirees to come back and fill district shortages.

Another revision will allow individuals with college degrees, and at least 75% of the course requirements for a teaching endorsement, to secure certification more easily, provided they also take a subject area exam, which is a different procedure than the basic skills test struck by Gov. Pillen last month. "During this time of severe education workforce shortages, removing barriers to licensure is a priority," said Sara Skretta, a senior director and certification officer at UNL, "The expansion of alternative pathways is a positive addition, and this should assist school districts in hiring classroom teachers with training."

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