Project RISE | Academic Innovation | University of Nebraska at Kearney -体育菠菜大平台

What is Project RISE?

Are you ready to transform your classroom and spark a love for reading in your youngest learners? Project RISE is here to support you! This exciting program, brought to you by the University of Nebraska at Kearney (体育菠菜大平台) and the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE), is designed just for preschool and kindergarten teachers and paraprofessionals like you. With NDE funding and Teaching Strategies’ trusted professional development, Project RISE provides hands-on tools and strategies to help you build strong early literacy skills in your students. Together, we’re giving every child the foundation they need to succeed—and making your work in the classroom even more impactful and rewarding.

Program Benefits

Tuition-Free College Credit: Participants can choose between undergraduate or graduate-level credits. If you are not already enrolled at 体育菠菜大平台, instructions on how to apply, including a fee waiver, will be given upon program acceptance. Only one course will be allowed in a semester.

$1,000 Stipend: For those opting not to pursue college credit.

Professional Development Membership: A two-year membership to Teaching Strategies, valued for its exceptional resources and tools.

Digital Badges: Participants will earn two digital badges in Early Literacy.

Learn More about Digital Badges

line art image of a two children playing while a woman reads a book

How to Apply

Watch an Informational Zoom Session:

Be sure to view the session prior to submitting your application

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Submit Your Application

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Program Details

Course Format All courses are delivered online.
Course Content 50 hours of on-demand and live coursework. 30+ hours of application activities and professional learning community engagement
Flexible Schedule Self-paced design allows participants to progress at their own speed. Experts recommend allocating at least one year for program completion, though it is a two-year initiative.
Additional Requirements for College Credit Complete a final project and participate in instructor check-ins, surveys, and reflections.

Key Dates

Program Start January 2025
Completion Deadline December 2026
Monthly Cohort Enrollment Applications will close on the last day of the month. All applications received up to that point will be vetted for acceptance. The status of your application will be communicated by the 10th of each month.

Eligibility and Expectations

Workplace Requirements Priority will be given to participants employed in a Nebraska Public School or Head Start preschool or kindergarten classroom or have consistent access to one.
Grant Participation Participants cannot be actively participating in another NDE grant.
Residency Participants must be Nebraska residents
Classroom Requirement Much of the coursework and application activities are designed to be implemented during the school year. Participants will need to have access to a classroom of preschool or kindergarten students
Commitment Be prepared to dedicate time to both coursework and practical applications. While self-paced, planning and consistency are key to success.

Ready to Rise?

Don’t miss this opportunity to advance your professional skills, enrich your classroom strategies, and positively impact young learners.

Apply Today

Are there still spots available to be part of the program?

Yes. We will add a new group on a rolling basis and will begin the next round of review of applications at the beginning of each month. We will continue to add students in this way until all seats are filled, or the timeline of completion is no longer achievable based on recommendations by 体育菠菜大平台 Teacher Education Program.

Can a student switch from 体育菠菜大平台 credit to Stipend and vice versa?

Yes, a student may switch between 体育菠菜大平台 Credit and Stipend options, but specific conditions and deadlines apply:

体育菠菜大平台 Credit to Stipend

A student may switch from 体育菠菜大平台 Credit to a Stipend by contacting Karla Rohde and dropping the course prior to the deadline of the drop/add period, which falls within the full refund timeframe as defined by 体育菠菜大平台 academic guidelines. Students who do not complete the drop/add process during this full refund timeframe will not be permitted to switch to the stipend option.
After the drop and add period for the full refund of a course has passed, students are no longer eligible to change to the Stipend Option.

Stipend to 体育菠菜大平台 Credit

A student enrolled for a stipend may switch to 体育菠菜大平台 Credit prior to the first installment of payment, 50% of the course completion. The participant must contact Karla Rohde with their intent to switch.

What is the course number and title?

TE 499/899P Special Topics: Foundations of Early Reading

When does the student have to enroll in the 体育菠菜大平台 courses?

The course is designed to offer flexibility, allowing students to take the two courses when it works best for their schedule, only one course per semester. Courses are available during both the Spring and Fall semesters, including Spring 25, Fall 25, Spring 26, and Fall 26.

Students can sign in and begin the Teaching Strategies training beginning January 2025.

The only requirement is that all coursework and requirements be completed by the end of finals week of the Fall 2026 Semester.

When will the stipend be paid to students?

Students must complete 50% of the course and then they will receive $500. The second installment will come at the completion of the course.

NOTE: Students are required to fill out the Qualtrics form on the NU Advance platform showing the completion of each section prior to receiving funds.

Process to receive the stipend payment

Students must log into their NU Advance, Project RISE account to complete two forms. The first form certifies that they have completed 50% of the course. The second form certifies the completion of the entire course.

Can a participant use their already created Teaching Strategies account?

No, a new account will be provided by Teaching Strategies. Accounts are created with a username so a student can have multiple accounts tied to the same email.

How can I use my credits toward a degree?

For those completing Project RISE for graduate credit, the coursework fulfills a course requirement for either the Curriculum & Instruction M.A.Ed. or the Reading PK-12 M.A.Ed. Both programs are designed for classroom teachers and may be a great fit for those who wish to continue their graduate education in a master's program.

For those completing Project RISE for undergraduate credit, reach out to Paula Thompson at thompsonpj@kllkj.net to discuss what program and pathway may work best for you.

University of Nebraska at Kearney
- Office of Graduate Studies and Academic Innovation
- 体育菠菜大平台 Teacher Education
  - Dr. Monica Hansen, Assistant Professor- Reading PK-12 
  - Dr. Paula Thompson, Associate Professor- Early Childhood 
Teaching Strategies
- Dr. Tracie Wieczorek, Early Literacy Trainer tracie.wieczorek@teachingstrategies.com
- Dr. Lesley E. Jennings, Manager of the Early Literacy Certification lesley.j@teachingstrategies.com
Nebraska Department of Education