Nevada Teacher Certification

How to Become a Teacher in Nevada

Those who wish to teach in Nevada must first complete the state’s requirements for Nevada teacher certification. Nevada issues three different levels of teacher certificates. The first level is the Provisional Teaching License. A bachelor’s degree along with completion of testing requirements is necessary for this initial level, and the license is valid for three years.

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The next level of certification is the Standard Teaching License. This license is acquired after all requirements for the Provisional Teaching License have been met. It is valid for five years and may be renewed if six professional development credits are accrued.

The third level of Nevada teaching certification is the Professional Teaching License, of which there are three types. Those with a master’s degree and three years of teaching experience are qualified for a six-year Professional Teaching License that may be renewed upon completion of six professional development credits. Teachers with an educational specialist degree and three years of teaching experience can receive an eight-year Professional Teaching License that is renewable if evidence is provided of professional growth. Lastly, those with a doctoral degree and three years of teaching experience or National Board Certification are qualified for a ten-year Professional Teaching License that can also be renewed upon evidence of professional growth.

Nevada Teacher Education Requirements

As is described above, specific education is required for each level of teacher certification in Nevada. The traditional route for licensure includes completion of a four-year teacher preparation program at a regionally accredited college or university.

Profiles of Well Known Schools

University of Nevada Las Vegas: The UNLV College of Education offers undergraduate and graduate programs in educationally related disciplines and career pathways. The College of Education houses the departments of Educational and Clinical Studies, Educational Psychology and Higher Education, and Teaching and Learning. The undergraduate programs are among the most popular on the entire UNLV campus. Students receive very close advising within the department once they certify as Education majors. Students begin field observation experiences as early as their sophomore year in order to help them decide if education is the right career field for them. All of the programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Northwestern Commission on Colleges and Universities. UNLV students are highly encouraged to visit the College of Education Advising and Placement Center on a regular basis to stay on top of changing requirements.

University of Nevada: Located in Reno, The University of Nevada College of Education offers dozens of majors for educational disciplines and career pathways. Students who desire careers in teaching, administration, counseling, curriculum, educational technology and more will find something for them at the College of Education. The programs range from undergraduate offerings that educate aspiring educators to graduate degrees for existing professionals. Programs include Counseling and Educational Psychology, Educational Leadership, Elementary Education, Equity and Diversity in Educational Settings, Special Education and many more. The Nevada College of Education is accredited by The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, and The National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Nevada Teacher Testing Requirements

Those receiving initial certification in Nevada must complete the state’s testing requirements. Two types of assessments are required: state-mandated testing and competency testing. Provisions for these assessments on a teaching license must be removed by the holder within three years from the issue date of the certificate.

State-mandated testing is needed to satisfy provisions of Nevada School Law, Nevada Constitution, and the US Constitution. The minimum passing score for these assessments is 70%. State-mandated testing may be completed through the University of Nevada – Reno General Exams or by taking coursework from a state-approved provider.

Competency testing is completed through the Praxis Series administered by the Educational Testing Service. Praxis content area tests must be completed for only one endorsement area on a license. The test may be taken for either the major or minor endorsement on a license, and some educators find that they may become “Highly Qualified” under the No Child Left Behind Act if they take the assessment in their minor endorsement area.

Nevada Teacher Salary and Jobs

Type	Number Employed	Average Annual Salary
Preschool Teachers	1,640	$25,610
Kindergarten Teachers	940	$47,800
Elementary School Teachers	10,840	$52,590
Middle School Teachers	4,200	$52,790
Secondary School Teachers	5,880	$52,600

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2011.

Nevada Teacher Interview

Interview with Alicia Lochridge, Nevada First Grade Teacher

School Programs for Becoming a Teacher in Nevada

Request free information from the following schools to learn more about your options for choosing a teacher degree program. We recommend you: Request information from one or more of these schools

Schools with Teaching Degree Programs in Nevada

Great Basin College
1500 College Pky
Elko, NV 89801
(775) 738-8493

University of Nevada-Las Vegas
4505 S Maryland Pky
Las Vegas, NV 89154
(702) 895-3011
www.unlv.edu/admissions

University of Nevada-Reno
Reno, NV 89557
(775) 784-1110
www.unr.edu/content/admissions/

Page edited by Charles Sipe.