In compliance with the Nebraska Department of Education, WSC requires a background check prior to entry into teacher candidacy. The background check is completed in EDU 245 Preparing for Teacher Candidacy. Results of the background check can be made available to the school district only by permission of the teacher candidate. Some schools may require a second background check upon being placed for clinical practice.
Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) Rule 20: Information Regarding Convictions
Rules of the Nebraska State Board of Education prohibit the assignment of any in-school field experience or the issuance of any certificate or permit to an individual who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor under the laws of any state or the federal government. A felony conviction means any felony offense under the laws of any jurisdiction, including misdemeanor convictions involving abuse, neglect, or sexual misconduct (refer to NDE Rule 21, section 003.12 for a complete listing).
The rules do provide for a hearing appeal process to the State Board of Education, where, if it is determined the applicant possesses the moral fitness to teach, the board may direct the assignment to in-school field experiences/clinical practice or the issuance of the certificate.
Rule 20: 004.06B - Notice Regarding Convictions
The institution shall inform all persons who apply for admission to its program that persons who have felony convictions, or misdemeanor convictions involving abuse, neglect, or sexual misconduct, as outlined in 92 NAC 21, Section 003.12, may only be considered for certification, or participation in field experiences, with the approval of the department. A person with a felony or misdemeanor conviction involving abuse, neglect, or sexual misconduct may request approval by the department using the procedures set forth in 92 NAC 21 Sections 009.02 through 009.04.
For more information, refer to page 12 of the NDE Rule 20 Guide (PDF) - “Regulations for the Approval of Teacher Education Programs” (2024 Version)
Nebraska Department of Education (NDA) Rule 21: Evidence of Emotional or Mental Capacity
Rule 21: 003.10 – Mental Fitness
All applicants must not have an emotional or mental incapacity to practice the profession as evidenced by a legal adjudication or determination thereof by other lawful means. Such evidence is outlined in NDE Rule 21, Section 003.10.
For more information, refer to page 5 of the NDE Rule 21 Guide (PDF) - “Issuance of Certificates and Permits to Teach, Counsel, Supervise, and Administer in Nebraska Schools” (2024 Version)
