How to Become a Teacher in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is home to the Clark County School District (CCSD), the fifth-largest US school district, which educates approximately 320,000 students.1 The district requires prospective teachers to possess a Nevada teaching certificate from the Nevada Department of Education (NDE), which requires a bachelor’s degree, completing a teacher preparation program, and passing the appropriate state exams. Continue reading to learn more about teaching opportunities in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas Teacher Certification Requirements
All teachers must be certified to work in public schools in the CCSD. Initial certification requires teachers to hold a bachelor’s degree, complete an approved teacher preparation program, and sit for the appropriate certification exams, including the Praxis Core or CBEST exam and any required subject-specific Praxis assessments. The traditional way to earn certification is by completing a bachelor’s degree with an educator component included. To learn more about teacher certification in Nevada, visit our Nevada teacher certification page.
Candidates who have not completed teacher preparation but have completed a bachelor’s degree can opt for the alternate path to certification. The alternate path allows candidates to teach in the classroom while completing the necessary educational requirements for certification. CCSD has its own alternative program for several subjects and age ranges known as Alternative Routes to Licensure. More information can be found on our Nevada alternative teacher certification page.
Teacher Certification Programs in Las Vegas
The colleges and universities listed below offer teacher preparation programs in the Las Vegas area that can prepare you for first-time licensure or, if you are already certified, for additional endorsements. You can also read more about teacher certification programs in the state on our Nevada education schools page.
- College of Southern Nevada
- Nevada State College
- University of Nevada-Las Vegas
- Sierra Nevada College
Las Vegas School District Steps for Becoming a Teacher
To work as a teacher in the CCSD, which serves Las Vegas, you must have a teaching certificate from the Nevada Department of Education (NDE). You can either complete a traditional bachelor’s degree program with an educator preparation component or complete an alternative educator program if you already have a bachelor’s degree. See the certification section for more information on these options. Once you have obtained your teaching certificate, you can apply to jobs following these steps:
Step 1: Complete the online application.
The online application requires you to create a profile, which must include three professional references. You can then apply to open jobs or contact the district’s human resources to help you find a suitable position.
Step 2: Be interviewed by a school leader or panel.
If a Las Vegas school is interested in your application, you may be invited to an in-person interview, where you may be asked to bring supplemental documents, such as sample lesson plans, to demonstrate your experience.
Step 3: Complete the hiring process.
New hires will be required to provide the CCSD with official transcripts, three professional references, evidence of a tuberculosis test, and fingerprints for a background check. Other requirements will be discussed at the time of hiring.
Contact Information
Clark County School District
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClarkCountySchoolDistrict
Twitter: https://x.com/ClarkCountySch
5100 W Sahara Ave
Las Vegas, NV 89146
(702) 799-5000
https://ccsd.net/
How to Become a Substitute Teacher with the Las Vegas School District
Substitute teachers (also known as guest teachers in the CCSD) must have a high school diploma and have completed a minimum of 60 college credits to qualify for a Substitute Teaching License. Interested substitute teachers must complete an online application and apply for the substitute job pool. The initial screening will consist of reference and credential checks, including copies of your official college transcripts and high school diploma. You will then be invited to an interview before your application is officially accepted.
Private and Charter School Teacher Requirements in Las Vegas
Private and charter schools in Las Vegas may have different requirements for prospective teachers than those of the CCSD. Nevada state law does not require charter or private schools to hire certified teachers, which is a requirement for public schools; therefore other criteria besides certification may enable you to work in these types of schools. However, many non-public schools prefer to hire candidates who hold Nevada teacher certification in addition to other qualifications.
The Largest K-12 Schools in Las Vegas
We compiled the below table comparing the largest public, private, and charter schools in Las Vegas to help you find schools that may be hiring qualified teachers in the metro area.
| School | Type | Grade Level | # Students | Student-Teacher Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Henry & Evelyn Bozarth Elementary School | Public | PK-5 | 1,018 | 20:1 |
| Bertha Ronzone Elementary School | Public | PK-5 | 894 | 18:1 |
| Elaine Wynn Elementary School | Public | PK-5 | 885 | 17:1 |
| Sig Rogich Middle School | Public | 6-8 | 1,828 | 29:1 |
| Justice Myron E. Leavitt Middle School | Public | 6-8 | 1,638 | 26:1 |
| Anthony Saville Middle School | Public | 6-8 | 1,637 | 29:1 |
| Rancho High School | Public | 9-12 | 3,278 | 24:1 |
| Ed W. Clark High School | Public | 9-12 | 3,231 | 24:1 |
| Palo Verde High School | Public | 9-12 | 3,216 | 27:1 |
| Odyssey Charter High School | Charter | 9-12 | 1,365 | 43:1 |
| Equipo Academy | Charter | 6-12 | 759 | 36:1 |
| Democracy Prep at the Agassi Campus | Charter | 6-12 | 663 | — |
| The Meadows School | Private | PK-12 | 865 | 9:1 |
| The Adelson Educational Campus | Private | PK-12 | 553 | 9:1 |
| Mountain View Christian School | Private | PK-12 | 310 | 11:1 |
See Table Notes and References at bottom of page.
Las Vegas Teacher Salary and Jobs Outlook
During the 2024-2025 school year, first-year teachers with the CCSD started at a minimum annual salary of $58,420, but those with advanced credentials or qualifications may receive higher salaries.1 Teachers’ salaries increase each year as they gain experience and more qualifications.1
The table below compares various classroom teaching roles in Las Vegas by the total number employed, median annual salary, 90th percentile annual salary, and 10-year job growth projections. Note SPED is an abbreviation for special education.
| Teacher type | # Employed2 | Median Annual Salary2 | 90th Percentile Annual Salary2 | Proj. Job Growth 2020-303 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten Teachers | 930 | $62,410 | $79,530 | 20.6% |
| Elementary School Teachers | 6,140 | $62,520 | $79,460 | 20.1% |
| Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers, SPED | 180 | $48,010 | $81,590 | N.Av. |
| Middle School Teachers | 1,820 | $63,720 | $79,930 | 20.2% |
| Middle School Teachers, SPED | 50 | $53,870 | $65,000 | N.Av. |
| Secondary School Teachers | 6,190 | $62,970 | $79,960 | 20.6% |
| Secondary School Teachers, Career/Technical Education | 110 | $62,000 | $80,170 | N.Av. |
| Secondary School Teachers, SPED | 130 | $52,260 | $79,750 | 20.5% |
Las Vegas Teacher Shortage Areas
The US Department of Education bases some student loan forgiveness programs on teacher shortage areas, meaning that your chances of qualifying for loan forgiveness may be stronger if you are teaching a subject that has been formally identified as a shortage area. You may also qualify for other funding opportunities or a more competitive salary based on your endorsement(s). Note that shortage areas may change from year to year, so you should check with state education agencies, your selected education program, and your student loan providers about funding options. For the 2020-2021 school year, most core subjects had a teacher shortage in one or more grade levels in Nevada, including:4
- Early Childhood Education (K-2)
- Elementary Education (PreK-5)
- English as a Second Language (PreK-12)
- Mathematics (6-12)
- Special Education (PreK-12)
Las Vegas Teaching Jobs Boards
Check online job boards for job openings in public, private, and charter schools in Las Vegas. Many schools post openings throughout the year so be sure to check often.
Additional Resources
- Clark County School District (CCSD): The public school district for Las Vegas area schools.
- Clark County Education Association (CCEA NV): The largest educator union in Nevada, representing Clark County school teachers and other educators.
- Las Vegas Music Teachers Association (LVMTA): Association serving area music teachers and their students with events, continuing education, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is the substitute teacher pay in Las Vegas?
Answer: Las Vegas substitute teacher pay varies based on the assignment. The regular short-term day rate is $110 per day; this rises to $130 per day for long-term assignments starting with the 11th day.5 Higher rates are offered for eight-hour day schools and schools located in East and Northeast Las Vegas, as well as for long-term at-risk and substitute assignments.5
Question: Are there incentives or bonuses for teachers working in high-need schools in Las Vegas?
Answer: Yes, there are incentives and bonuses for teachers working in high-need schools in Las Vegas. The CCSD often offers incentives such as signing bonuses, relocation assistance, and additional stipends for teachers in subject areas or schools with the highest needs. These incentives are part of efforts to attract and retain qualified teachers in areas like special education, STEM subjects, and schools with high student populations or lower-income communities. Specific details about available incentives can vary year by year, so it’s best to check the CCSD website for the most current information.
Table Notes and References:
1. Niche, Largest Schools in Las Vegas: https://www.niche.com/k12/search/largest-schools/t/las-vegas-clark-nv/
References:
1. Clark County School District: https://ccsd.net/
2. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2018 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise Metropolitan Division: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_29820.htm#25-0000
3. Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation Projections: https://nevadaworkforce.com/Projections
4. US Department of Education, Teacher Shortage Areas: https://tsa.ed.gov/#/reports
5. Clark County School District Substitute Rate of Pay Summary: https://ccsd.net/employees/resources/pdf/salary-substitutes-11-29-2023.pdf