On-the-Job Programs to Strengthen Nebraska's K-12 workforce developement

Doane University is offering a suite of on-the-job educator programs designed to address teacher shortages and strengthen workforce development in K–12 school districts. Learn more about the work they're doing in partnership with BloomBoard, and find out how we can support your district in addressing your teacher vacancies.

Candidate Stories

Hear from the educators whose lives and careers were transformed by the program.

District Perspectives

Hear how other districts are solving teacher shortages with sustainable, fully funded grow-your-own programs.

Get in Touch

Talk directly with a BloomBoard representative to learn more about our solutions.

BloomBoard & Doane University

Doane University has partnered with BloomBoard to support school districts in addressing their teacher shortages through a new on-the-job degree program that enables school paraprofessionals and staff to earn their teaching credential while continuing to work.

The Preparing Responsive, Innovative, Modern Educators (PRIME) Program is a Bachelor of Arts in Education, Special Education Major (K–12). Candidates with any number of college credits (0+) may apply to the program. Graduates earn a bachelor's degree and graduate credit in 2–4 years, depending upon the number of credits they transfer in. Paraprofessionals may also receive up to 24 portfolio credits with three years of service. Upon successful completion of the program, candidates are eligible for their initial teaching license with Certification in Special Education (K–12) in Nebraska.

For more information, contact kerry.frank@bloomboard.com.

More Pathways. More Support. Fully Funded.

Two new federally funded programs

To support access to Doane's PRIME program and Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, Doane and BloomBoard are also launching two federally funded credit-bearing programs: a Paraprofessional Training Program and an AI for Educators program, both made possible through a grant from the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) within the U.S. Department of Education. For more information including course lists, contact kerry.frank@bloomboard.com.

Paraprofessional Training Program

Paraprofessionals are essential to student success — and this program helps yours perform at their best. The Paraprofessional Training Program equips your paras with fewer than five years of experience with practical, hands-on strategies tied directly to their daily responsibilities. The 6-credit-hour curriculum can be completed in a single semester, with fall and spring enrollment available. For districts building a teacher pipeline, it's also a meaningful first step toward a BA in Education and full teacher certification.

AI for Educators Program

Most teachers have received little to no formal training in how to use AI ethically and effectively — and that gap is growing. This program gives your educators practical strategies for integrating AI across their daily work, from lesson planning and differentiation to assessment and communication, while building genuine AI literacy in students.Beyond individual skill-building, the program develops AI teacher leaders in your buildings: educators who guide colleagues, model best practices, and foster a culture of informed, ethical AI use district-wide. Completable in 1–2 semesters with fall and spring start dates, the 9 credit hours can be applied toward a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction at Doane University or transferred to another institution.

Why Districts Are Choosing On-the-Job Pathways

✅ Build Your Own Pipeline by investing in trusted, community-rooted staff

✅ Retain Talent by creating clear, supported pathways for advancement

✅ Fill High-Need Roles—especially in areas like special education

✅ Reduce Hiring Costs by developing educators from within

✅ Access Flexible Funding through workforce boards and state support

Why Districts Are Choosing On-the-Job Pathways

What District Leaders Are Saying

Vickie Maruniak

I will always have candidates in the program. I have more people applying for positions in my district because of this program. My line of people is waiting and as my board sees more and more success, they’re telling me to sign up more. It’s a game changer.

Vickie Maruniak

Superintendent, Triad Local School District (OH)

About BloomBoard

Watch this brief video to learn more about BloomBoard and how we support school districts with educator pipeline, advancement, and retention solutions.

→ To learn more, contact Kerry Frank, Nebraska Account Representative at kerry.frank@bloomboard.com.

Why BloomBoard

A Smarter, Supported Pathway for School Districts to Grow Educators

A Learning Model Designed for Working Educators

Traditional university programs require nights, weekends, and student teaching that takes employees out of classrooms. BloomBoard removes those barriers. Participants can: -Work full-time in classrooms while completing degree or certification requirements -Complete authentic, job-embedded activities tied directly to their daily role -Progress on a flexible schedule without fixed class times -Move forward with full support from school-based mentors, building adminstrators, and district leaders

A Supportive Partnership That Lightens District Workload

BloomBoard acts as a true implementation partner—not just a program provider. Districts receive: -Recruitment support, info sessions, and launch materials -A guided recruitment process, with ready-to-use templates and communications -Regular progress updates on every participant -Seamless alignment with your existing mentor and coaching structures -Milestone celebrations that boost engagement and retention

The Outcome: Create a Stronger Educator Pipeline

BloomBoard helps districts develop confident, committed educators from within while making paraprofessional roles more attractive to new candidates. By offering on-the-job degree pathways, districts position themselves as places to grow—not just places to work—drawing new paraprofessionals into the system as current staff advance into teaching roles. The result: stronger recruitment, higher retention, smoother onboarding, and a more diverse, community-rooted workforce.

Learn More

If you’d like to learn more about Doane University’s on-the-job degree programs powered by BloomBoard, complete the form below and we’ll be in touch!