The Nebraska Department of Education will use a $4.9 million federal grant to expand apprenticeships for special education teachers across the state, addressing the largest shortage area identified in the department’s latest teacher survey.
The grant will be distributed over five years, with nearly $885,000 available during the first year. The funding is intended to increase enrollment in special education teacher apprenticeships, improve educator retention and incorporate evidence-based practices into teacher preparation.
“This investment will help Nebraska build a stronger pipeline of highly qualified special education teachers while reducing barriers that often prevent talented individuals from entering the profession,” Nebraska Education Commissioner Brian Maher said.
For the 2025-26 school year, Nebraska schools reported 140 unfilled special education positions. The department’s count includes positions left vacant as well as those filled by people who were not fully qualified, such as substitutes, educators without the required endorsement or people working under provisional permits.
The number was lower than in the two previous surveys. Schools reported about 150 unfilled positions in 2024-25 and roughly 210 the year before. Special education remained the state’s largest reported teacher shortage area in the most recent survey.
How the apprenticeships work
The Nebraska Education Department began its teacher apprenticeship effort in 2024 through three partnerships involving school districts and colleges. The program is designed for people already working in schools who are pursuing a teaching degree while remaining employed.
The program has since expanded to include 50 schools and school districts working with eight educator preparation programs. Apprentices receive classroom experience while completing the requirements for a degree and teaching credential. After graduating, they continue teaching in the district, according to the department.
- The grant will support special education teacher apprenticeships statewide.
- Funding will be provided over five years, beginning with nearly $885,000 in the first year.
- The program is intended to support recruitment, preparation and retention of special education educators.
Maher said the expanded apprenticeships will allow future teachers to earn credentials while gaining classroom experience and will address staffing needs for students with disabilities. The department’s survey figures provide the basis for the program’s focus on special education staffing.
