Department of Educational Foundations and Leadership

Teacher education at Wayne State

If you have a passion for knowledge and sharing it to build a better world, then a career in education is a good fit for you. When you choose to pursue a teaching degree from Wayne State, you are following in the footsteps of thousands before you who heeded the same call. We build outstanding education professionals for schools in Nebraska and around the world. In fact, 1 in 10 Nebraska teachers has at least one degree from Wayne State.

We provide many avenues for you to gain an edge on other teacher candidates by ensuring you have quality, hands-on work experience before graduation. Our faculty work with you in a personalized setting, delivering classwork and field experiences that will introduce you to classroom management and curriculum development before you take on your first teaching position. You can also earn multiple teaching endorsements in four years. When you pair subjects like ESL, reading and writing, and special education with other endorsements, you’ll have an advantage over other job candidates for teaching positions that are in high demand.

If you have a passion for home-related functions such as family living, consumer economics, foods and nutrition, clothing and textiles, child development, and parenting, consider a Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) degree from Wayne State College. Our FCS programs include Interior Design and Foods and Nutrition. With fashion, design, and food labs housed in Benthack Hall, you’ll be able to develop your artistic, interpersonal, and management skills. A teaching program is also available for Family and Consumer Sciences Education.

Department goals and philosophy

Educator Preparation

Becoming a Teacher

The grade levels and subjects you want to teach are called endorsements. You can pick either one field endorsement or two subject endorsements to meet initial teacher certification requirements in Nebraska. Supplemental endorsements can be added on to your chosen field or subject endorsements to provide additional expertise in a particular area.

Field endorsements

Subject endorsements

Supplemental endorsements

Learn more about endorsements

Admission to Wayne State College does not guarantee entry into its educator preparation programs. Students planning to pursue professional education must undergo a background check along with meeting other requirements (benchmarks) and advance through three levels of preparation required to become a teacher.

Benchmarks and Levels of Educator Preparation

Certification refers to licensure to teach. The state of Nebraska requires that teacher candidates have successfully completed an accredited education preparation program at a four-year institution. The educator preparation programs at Wayne State are state approved, nationally recognized programs designed to prepare students for initial teacher certification in Nebraska.

If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Nebraska, please check that state's licensing board to determine their licensing requirements. Even in those states having reciprocity with the state of Nebraska, students must apply for teacher certification to that respective state to be issued a teaching certificate by that respective state in accordance with that state’s laws.

Curriculum and Instruction - Instructional Leadership (MSE)

In this master’s degree program, you will explore instructional theory and new approaches to curriculum design that meet the needs of today’s elementary and secondary schools.

Curriculum and Instruction (MSE) Program

School Administration (MSE)

This fully online 36- to 48-hour program offers different options to help prepare you for school leadership roles.

Athletic Administration
School Adminstration (7-12)
School Administration (K-6)
School Administration (K-12)
Special Education Supervision

School Administration (MSE) Program

Education Specialist (Ed.S.)

Advance your career with our online education specialist degree in school administration.

Education Specialist (Ed.S.) Program

Special Education (MSE)

Wayne State's fully online master’s degree in special education is designed to help professionals and districts meet the needs of students with exceptionalities, and their families.

Special Education (Initial Certification)
Special Education Generalist
Special Education - Advanced Study
Special Education Subject Endorsement - Non-teaching

Special Education (MSE) Program

Higher Education and Student Affairs (MSE)

This fully online master's degree prepares you for roles in academic advising, student support services, and campus leadership at colleges, universities, and technical schools.

Higher Education and Student Affairs Program

The education programs here are designed to provide you with a variety of experiences in and outside the classroom. You also have the opportunity to complete practicum hours at a school to gain experience and receive feedback. The NENTA program also allows you to become certified as a substitute teacher in Nebraska. Experiences like these are unique to Wayne State, and they are what prepare you to lead a classroom of your own.

Travis Rudloff

Clearwater, Nebraska

Majors: Elementary Education, Special Education (K-6), Early Childhood Education (PK-3)