CEHHS Welcomes Fifth Cohort of the Teacher Scholars Academy

The College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS) is excited to welcome the fifth cohort of students to the Teacher Scholars Academy (TSA). This fall, the Teacher Scholars began pursuing majors in Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Special Education, and Music Education.

These 20 high-achieving, future Omaha Public Schools (OPS) teacher candidates hold strong academic records, with an average high school GPA of 3.67 and an average ACT score of 22. They represent 14 high schools across five counties in Nebraska.

The TSA is directed by Justin Andersson, Ph.D., who brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to fostering the next generation of teachers. "Our goal is to attract and support talented individuals who are passionate about education and committed to making a difference in their communities. We aim to build a sustainable network of educators who can address the evolving needs of OPS and beyond," said Dr. Andersson.

Experiential learning is a cornerstone of the Teacher Scholars Academy. This includes over 50 hours of practicum experience, opportunities for global exposure through study abroad and international partnerships, and hands-on educational experiences. Teacher Scholars are also encouraged to be involved with local, state, regional, and national professional educational organizations. They can engage in educational research through their coursework and UNO’s Honors program and are supported in presenting their work at professional conferences.

The TSA's cohort model fosters close collaboration among scholars through frequent seminars, retreats, specialized courses, and professional development on various aspects of teaching. This approach helps scholars build a strong network of peers and prepares them for successful teaching careers upon graduation.

Meet the 2024-2025 Teacher Scholars