How to Become a Teacher in Nevada

Nevada ranks 26th out of 50 in terms of teacher salaries, but that number can be misleading. When adjusted for cost of living, which is fairly low in Nevada, its average teacher salaries are actually some of the highest in the nation. Those who want to become a teacher in Nevada can expect the dual benefits of a teacher shortage and a strong salary.

How to become a teacher in Nevada – traditional route For residents

The traditional route for those seeking how to become a teacher in Nevada involves earning a bachelor’s degree. For elementary school teachers, that includes 9 hours of coursework in elementary teaching methods, and 6 hours in courses on how to teach reading. For secondary teachers, it includes a content-related major plus 22 semester hours of education courses. Many students accomplish this through completing a teaching major.

How to become a teacher in NV – alternative route for residents

For those wondering, "How do I become a teacher in Nevada," the best place to start is by contacting the Nevada Department of Education. Alternative routes to licensing exist, but they are often individualized and can be planned through with a NDOE representative. The person seeking information on how to become a teacher in NV will need to have 22 hours of education courses from an approved institution or program for teacher certification in Nevada.

How to become a teacher in NV – for out-of-state teacher applicants

Nevada is a participant in the National Associate of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certificate Interstate Agreement (NASDTEC), and so will accept the licenses of teachers from many partner states. However, the teacher must have a regular license and teaching experience from his or her original state and meet all other requirements that Nevada expects of its teachers. The first step is to fill out an initial licensure application packet, found at the Department of Education website.

How do I become a teacher in Nevada – necessary exams for residents

Like many states, Nevada requires its teachers to pass the Praxis I and II exams. However, this is only necessary for initial licensure; teachers do not have to take the Praxis again to renew.

What bachelors degree do I need for teaching in Nevada?

Any bachelor degree is sufficient for teaching in Nevada, but it must be accompanied by the required education hours or content area courses. Education courses do not have to be taken at the same time as content area courses, though those following the traditional route usually do it this way. Those following the alternative route get their education courses after they’ve already earned their bachelor’s.

What is a teacher preparation program in Nevada?

A teacher preparation program is an approved path to how to become a teacher in Nevada. It must be conducted through appointed college, university, or state programs, and will give the prospective teacher the training he or she needs to earn a teacher certificate in Nevada.

How do I renew my teacher certification in Nevada?

Nevada requires its teachers to complete professional development hours before approving their license renewals. These hours can be logged at teacher in-services or by taking courses at approved universities. If these hours are completed, the teacher sends the renewal form, along with an $80 application fee and transcripts of professional development courses, to the Department of Education.

Where do I go for more information about how to become a teacher in NV?

• Nevada Department of Education

  The Nevada Department of Education web site has all the information a teacher needs about education in Nevada.

• Nevada Department of Education Teacher Licensure

  This page lays out the requirements for different kinds of teachers in Nevada.

• Testing Requirements

  On this site, a teacher can learn what he or she needs to know about the Praxis exam, and make arrangements to take both parts of it.