From Marketing to the Classroom: How One Career-Switcher Found Purpose Through Practice-Based Learning

When Mark Farthing steps into his fifth-grade classroom at Mamie Towles Elementary in Reno, Nevada, he’s not just leading a lesson—he’s living a new calling. A former marketing and technology manager, Mark made a bold mid-career switch into education through the Nevada Forward Graduate Apprenticeship Program, and today, he’s seeing the real-time impact of that decision every day in his classroom.

A Calling Realized Through Career Change

For years, Mark enjoyed a successful corporate career in Reno’s real estate sector. But something was missing. He found himself drawn to the energy his wife, a teacher, brought home each day, inspired by her stories of helping students learn and grow.

Reflecting on his own professional strengths, Mark realized that the parts of his job he enjoyed most—training, presenting, and mentoring—were all rooted in teaching. “I loved engaging with people, especially when I was showing them something new. That’s when I felt most in my element.”

A Practical Pathway Into the Classroom

Mark discovered UNLV’s Nevada Forward program, which provided a hybrid, practice-based path into education. It was designed with career-switchers in mind—those who couldn’t afford to quit their jobs for years of schooling, but were ready to step into classrooms quickly and competently.

Thanks to its structure, Mark could immediately apply what he was learning into his own classroom. “Every week, I’d take new strategies from my coursework and test them with my students. I could see in real time what worked and where I needed to adjust.”

This blend of theory and action made the learning stick—and made his teaching more effective. “The feedback loop was immediate. I wasn’t just preparing for a hypothetical future classroom. I was already in it.”

A Fast-Track Solution to Teacher Shortages

Now a passionate advocate for programs like Nevada Forward, Mark sees their value not just for individuals, but for the broader education system. “If this program didn’t exist, I probably wouldn’t be teaching. It made this path accessible—and fast. That’s what school districts need right now.”

He’s especially adamant about the importance of legislative funding for alternative certification pathways. “These programs solve a real problem. They bring skilled, motivated professionals into classrooms quickly—and keep them there.”

From Career to Calling

Mark’s story is more than a professional pivot—it’s a redefinition of purpose. “In real estate, I helped close deals. In the classroom, I help kids discover their potential. It’s the most rewarding work I’ve ever done.”

To those considering the leap into teaching, Mark offers this advice: “Don’t wait for the perfect moment. If you feel called to teach, there are programs that will help you get there—and let you start making a difference right away.”