A new teacher preparation option is now available in Nebraska as Teachers of Tomorrow, one of the nation’s largest educator training organizations, announced the opening of Nebraska Teachers of Tomorrow, a state-approved alternative certification program aimed at helping address teacher shortages across the state.
The program is currently accepting applications and is designed for individuals seeking a flexible route into the teaching profession, including career changers, working adults, recent college graduates, and others interested in pursuing a career in education.
Participants complete online coursework and guided training intended to prepare them for certification requirements and classroom responsibilities. Program leaders say the model is built to provide a practical and accessible pathway into teaching while helping schools strengthen their future workforce.
“Nebraska schools need qualified educators, and increasing access to teacher preparation programs is a key part of meeting that need,” said Dr. Heath Morrison, chief executive officer of Teachers of Tomorrow. He said the new program is designed to help candidates enter the profession while supporting districts in developing long-term staffing solutions.
The launch follows continued concerns about teacher vacancies statewide. Data from the Nebraska Department of Education’s 2025-26 Teacher Vacancy Survey found that 135 school districts reported open teaching positions at the start of the school year. Nearly 490 positions lacked fully qualified personnel, while another 111 positions remained vacant. Areas experiencing the greatest shortages included special education, elementary education, career and technical education, science, and mathematics.
Nebraska Teachers of Tomorrow received authorization from the Nebraska Department of Education and offers a certification pathway aligned with state requirements.
The organization has been operating for more than 20 years and has helped over 90,000 educators nationwide work toward certification through alternative preparation programs.
Program officials say candidates will benefit from flexible online learning, support through certification milestones, and preparation focused on real-world classroom experiences. School districts, meanwhile, may gain access to a broader pool of prospective teachers and an additional tool for filling hard-to-staff positions.
More information about the program is available through Nebraska Teachers of Tomorrow.