What makes our program different?
Cohort model
The program values relationship building and nurturing a community of learners. Why? Because the best way to move Nevada forward is to prepare diverse individuals with other diverse individuals who bring rich and unique experiences to the table. Our goal: developing a community of educators dedicated serving our communities.
ACCELERATED CURRICULUM TO MEET THE NEEDS OF WORKING PROFESSIONALS
The program moves fast! But the program provides a high-quality experience tailored to the needs of working professionals that doesn’t sacrifice quality, time with your family, or take you away from your other responsibilities. Program courses are offered in either 4-week (elementary) or 8-week (early childhood & special education) blocks that are tailored to meet student needs. This format allows students complete all remaining bachelor’s degree requirements in a single academic year.
OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN AND WORK AT THE SAME TIME
There’s no need to quit your job while completing this program. Program students are required to hold employment as a paraprofessional/support staff/substitute teacher while completing program requirements. Continue to work full-time, earn a paycheck, and put the knowledge you learn in your classes to work in your classroom while completing this program
Professional Development & Microcredentialing
Not everything will be learned in the classroom—UNLV’s or your school’s. The program offers world class professional development to give you new perspectives and ideas about how teachers move Nevada forward. We offer free microcredential courses in partnership with the Clark County School District (CCSD) designed to provide you with the tools and resources you need to be effective in a constantly evolving educational landscape.
Continued Mentoring & Support
Developed in partnership between the the Public Education Foundation (PEF) and other partners, we continue to support you with mentoring and induction for your first three years as a classroom teacher after the program ends. Why? Because your success as a teacher moves all Nevadans forward.
Funding Available
Costs never seem to stop rising. Gas prices, grocery prices, and even the price of your morning cup of coffee are skyrocketing. Nevada Forward ™ works with a variety of partners to identify specific funding sources available to each student to ensure that program costs are 100% covered for each student .
Our Programs in the News
Nevada Public Radio | KNPR
New UNLV program helps fast track CCSD support staff toward teachership
From teacher shortages to lack of resources, the Clark County School District’s struggles are nothing new.
Which is why the “Paraprofessional Pathways Project” at UNLV is working on getting CCSD more teachers fast…
KVVU Las Vegas • Fox 5 News
UNLV program helps fast track dozens of support staff into teaching positions at CCSD
New funding opened a program at UNLV last year to attempt to make a dent in the teaching shortage at the Clark County School District. The first cohort graduated from the Professional Pathways Project this summer and are now teachers at the school district. Maria Romero was among the 36 graduates of the program and is now a first grade teacher at Harris Elementary School…
Las vegas review-journal
UNLV program helps paraprofessionals become teachers
Maria Romero has always wanted to be a teacher, but after her son was diagnosed with autism, her focus was on meeting his needs. Years later, she’s now realizing her career dream thanks to a UNLV program that helps those already working in schools earn a bachelor’s degree and become a licensed teacher…
KLAS Las Vegas • 8 News Now
UNLV program helps paraprofessionals become teachers
Staffing issues continue to plague the Clark County School District but there is a program at UNLV that is attempting to help fill the gap. UNLV’s Paraprofessional Pathways Project is helping new educators transition to a full-time teaching career…
Telemundo Las Vegas
UNLV gradúa Maestros en solo un año
Ante la falta de maestros en las escuelas del estado, la Universidad de Nevada ha creado un programa de licenciatura para los ayudantes de instrucción y personal de apoyo.
KTNV Las Vegas • 13 Action News
UNLV offers fast-track teaching program to assist with teacher shortages
In an effort to combat the current teacher shortage in the valley, UNLV has created a program to get more teachers into schools throughout Clark County.
“I have never had a life-changing experience like this one because this really opens the opportunities for people like me,” said Maria Romero, program coordinator for Nevada Graduates…
KSNV Las Vegas • News 3
UNLV Program that fast-tracks pathway to becoming a teacher sees success
The effort to fill teaching positions in our schools continues.
Educator shortages are leading to teacher burnout, and students are also feeling the impact.
A UNLV program is meant to get teachers into our classrooms at a time when they’re needed the most….
UNLV News Center
Nevada Forward: Meeting a Community Need and Building a Shared Future
n response to Nevada’s critical teacher shortage and the need for more accessible pathways into the education profession, the Nevada Forward Apprenticeship Program was born — not in isolation, but through deep collaboration with school districts, workforce agencies, and community organizations…
