Nevada Forward Delivers Workforce Results: Building Nevada’s Educator Pipeline from Within

Led by the UNLV College of Education, the Nevada Forward™ initiative is transforming the future of teaching in Nevada—one apprentice, one classroom, and one community at a time.

Expanding College Opportunity for All

Expanding equitable access to higher education by offering our program to all Nevadans, regardless of where they live.

Earn While You Learn

Combining coursework with clinical, on-the-job training, apprentices earn while they learn—reducing the financial barriers that have historically limited access to the teaching profession.

Responding to the Teacher Shortage

Nevada Forward™ recruits, prepares, and retains high-quality educators across the state, especially those already serving in high-need schools and communities.

Leading the Nation

Nevada Forward™ is the nation’s largest registered teacher apprenticeship program and a nationally recognized model for scalable, equitable educator preparation.

What makes our program different?

NV|Forward’s Statewide Impact

Total NV|Forward Students Served
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Licensed Teaching Personnel Prepd.
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Registered Apprentices
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K-12 Students Served
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Counties Served
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Program Graduation Rate
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Mapping our Impact

Nevada Forward teaching apprentices are deeply rooted in their communities—before joining the UNLV program, they have already served for an average of 2.7 years. They understand their neighbors, recognize the community’s strengths and challenges, and are dedicated to making a lasting impact where they live. Use this interactive map to pinpoint where apprentices are making an impact across the state.

Apprentices in Clark County
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Apprentices in Other Nevada Districts
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Click here for more data by Nevada Congressional District Click here for more data by Nevada Senate District
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Meet Our Students

Get to know the passionate individuals driving change in Nevada’s classrooms. From career-switchers to school support staff pursuing their dream of teaching, our Nevada Forward apprentices bring dedication, resilience, and a deep commitment to their communities. Their stories are the heart of our mission—and the future of education in Nevada.

From Lunch Lady to Future Teacher: How Karen Cantrell is Building Her Career in Elko

For Karen Cantrell, Mountain View Elementary isn’t just where she works—it’s where her dreams are taking shape. A lifelong Elko resident, she’s been part of the school community for more than a decade, first as a lunch lady and now as a paraprofessional supporting kindergarten through second grade special education students. Today, she’s also a student, working toward her teaching degree through UNLV’s Nevada Forward™ apprenticeship program.
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Home-Grown Teachers: Fast-Track Higher Education Expands Opportunities for Rural Communities 

For Holly Salazar, education is a calling. As a dedicated paraprofessional with the Elko County School District, she’s spent years supporting students. Now, through a unique pre-apprenticeship program, she’s taking the next step toward achieving her dream of becoming a full-time teacher.
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NVForward Graduate Jaime Sullivan named CCSD ‘New Educator of the Year’

Jaime Sullivan, a graduate of UNLV’s NVForward teacher apprenticeship program, was honored as one of the Clark County School District’s 2022–2023 New Educators of the Year. Celebrated at Robert O. Gibson Leadership Academy, Sullivan’s recognition highlights the success of NVForward in preparing dedicated educators who make a meaningful impact in Nevada classrooms.
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Our Priorities

Workforce Development

With the state apprenticeship model, students work full-time and earn a paycheck while while completing their degree.

Onboarding & Orientation

We offer intentional onboarding and orientation to ensure students’ smooth transition and integration into the academic community.

Educator Recruitment

We intentionally recruit students who systematically experience barriers to higher education.

Student Support

We offer “concierge services” and “success coaching” aimed at reducing student engagement with structures that impede success.

Program Flexibility

We use hybrid and immersive technologies to support all Nevadans’ access to teacher preparation programs.

Continuous Learning & Support

We deliver community-embedded professional development and providing 3 years of systematic post-program support.

Eliminating Cost Barriers

We remove financial barriers for students toward a “zero out-of-pocket cost” educational experience while students continue to earn a paycheck.

Why NV|Forward™ Matters

Investing in Nevada Forward is investing in Nevada’s children, schools, and future. Legislators have the opportunity to champion a proven, scalable solution that keeps homegrown talent in our classrooms and strengthens Nevada’s public education system from the ground up.