News Releases

April 2025

Apr 21st

Afterschool Professional Appreciation Week Celebration

The Nebraska Department of Education is proud to celebrate the state’s dedicated educators and staff who work to offer quality afterschool programs to students during Afterschool Professional Appreciation Week April 21-25. These dedicated individuals play a vital role in the lives of Nebraska’s youth, providing safe, engaging, and enriching environments...

March 2025

Mar 31st

Four Nebraska Teachers Chosen as State Finalists for Presidential Teaching Award

Four Nebraska teachers have been selected as state finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), the nation’s highest honor for K–12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teachers. This year applicants from grades 7-12 teaching mathematics, science, technology, engineering and/or computer science could...

Mar 21st

Commissioner Remarks on Federal Department of Education

Nebraska Department of Education Commissioner Brian Maher sent the following letter to school and ESU administrators on the topic of the Federal Department of Education. On Thursday, President Trump signed an executive order, “Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities.” The order states, “The Secretary of Education shall, to...

Mar 12th

Nebraska World Language Distinguished Scholars Recognized

The Nebraska Department of Education is proud to honor 70 students with the Distinguished World Language Scholar Award during World Language Week 2025. These students have demonstrated outstanding leadership in language learning, commitment to language study, appreciation for cultural diversity, and communicative competence. Nominated by their teachers, each student submitted...

Mar 7th

Dr. Jane Stavem Selected as Deputy Commissioner of Education

The Nebraska State Board of Education has appointed Dr. Jane Stavem as a Deputy Commissioner of Education. The decision comes after a nationwide search process. As deputy commissioner, Dr. Stavem will provide leadership and guidance for the day-to-day operations of the NDE, provide agency-wide administrative support to the Commissioner, and...

February 2025

Feb 14th

Teacher Survey Shows Positive Trends in Teacher Recruitment and Retention

The Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) is pleased to announce encouraging developments in teacher recruitment and retention efforts, as highlighted in the recently released 2024-25 Teacher Vacancy Survey Report. This annual survey provides critical insights into the state’s teacher workforce, and this year’s findings underscore progress in addressing staffing challenges....

Feb 11th

Neligh Teacher Presented with $25,000 Milken Educator Award

Governor Jim Pillen, Education Commissioner Dr. Brian Maher, Milken Educator Awards Vice President Jennifer Fuller join in bestowing “Oscar of Teaching” on Neligh-Oakdale Jr./Sr. High School teacher Dexter Hanzel BIO, PHOTOS AND VIDEO: https://www.milkeneducatorawards.org/educators/view/dexter-hanzel Neligh-Oakdale Junior/Senior High School teacher Dexter Hanzel received the surprise of a lifetime this morning when...

Feb 6th

Student Organizations Celebrate Legislative Day

Event Photos Students from across the state representing seven of Nebraska’s Career and Technical Student Organizations visited the Capitol February 4th in celebration of CTSO Legislative Day. The event helped students develop a better understanding of state government and the Nation’s only unicameral. While at the Capitol, students met with...

January 2025

Jan 27th

Summer Food Service Program Grant Released

Children need good food all year long, even when they are not in school. The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides healthy meals to children, ages one to 18, free of charge. Community organizations and private nonprofits, as well as schools, and tribal and local governments, including parks and recreation...

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