Elementary Education Degrees in Nevada
You want to go to work fired up every day, knowing that you’re about to change lives and make a difference. Why not become an elementary school teacher? Elementary teachers are an influential part of their students’ lives, showing them how to think critically, develop a love of learning, and become productive members of society. With the right training and theory education, you could become a valuable asset to the teaching community of Nevada and to the state’s students.
Becoming an Elementary Teacher in Nevada
Once you decide to become an elementary school teacher, you have to find the right school for you. There are plenty of options; start your search today by requesting information from elementary education programs in Nevada.
Education is a huge priority in Nevada. In recent years, the state has struggled with low test scores and low college readiness rates. The state is expanding funding options for schools, hoping to give students the education they need to pursue work and school opportunities after graduation. This has led to an expansion of early and elementary education in southern Nevada (Las Vegas Review Journal, 2017). Equal access to education can erase disparities caused by income levels, socioeconomic status, and family makeup. As an elementary school teacher in this environment, you could reach students of all needs and help them unlock their potential.
Ready to start the path to Nevada teacher certification? This is the time to act. After checking out our list of teaching schools, get in touch with those that you’d like to learn more about.
Getting Your Elementary Education Degree in Nevada
Now that you’ve started comparing elementary teacher training options in Nevada, it’s time to discover which type of degree you need. First, start with less common degree options. Few students fall into these groups, so it’s good to rule them out or explore them right away.
The first option is an alternative teacher certification program. This is only available to students who already have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. You may take the necessary teaching courses and get hundreds of hours of classroom experience in an intensive teaching program, allowing you to get your license in one year or less.
The other option is a Master’s degree. A Master’s in elementary education is an option for those who have teaching certification in another area of study and a Bachelor’s degree. This is the only way you may be able to earn your elementary education degree online, since most graduate programs require that you meet teaching licensure requirements before you begin your courses.
If neither of these options are available to you, it’s time to start with a Bachelor’s degree. Over a period of four years, you earn between 120 and 130 credits at an accredited Nevada university. As a freshman and sophomore, you may focus on general education classes. You may apply to the teaching program in your second year of your Bachelor’s degree. You begin your teaching coursework the very next semester, starting with basic teaching theory and classroom experience. The more experience you get by graduation, the more highly prepared you may be to take on classroom challenges.
Elementary Education Course Options in Nevada
- Classroom Management and Organization
- Reading in the Elementary School
- Methods of Teaching Reading in the Elementary School
- Methods of Teaching Mathematics in the Elementary School
- Teaching Science in Elementary Schools
- Computer Resources for Teachers
- Assessment and Evaluation
While classroom experience is required at multiple points throughout your degree, you get the vast majority of hours from your student teaching semester. By spending 40 or more hours working under the supervision of a licensed teacher, you can learn what you’re doing right and what you need to improve. Upon completion of this semester, you should have the skills and knowledge needed to take on independent teaching duties.
Education is one of the most highly regulated fields in the country. In Nevada, you must earn your license through the Nevada Department of Education. This licensing agency verifies that you have the necessary education and classroom hours before allowing you to schedule the Praxis II exam. Once that exam is behind you, you may get your initial five-year license.
While working through your coursework, you may expand your understanding of what it takes to be a teacher. You should learn how to work as part of an educational team that includes teachers, parents, administrators, aides, and students themselves. Throughout this process, you may learn how the educational system of Nevada works and how you can improve it from within.
Don’t wait any longer to find out which elementary teacher program is a good fit for your learning needs. Get more information on local training options now by contacting Nevada colleges and universities.
Working as an Elementary Educator in Nevada
You may work independently as a teacher once you have your license. For a few years, though, you may be part of a mentoring program. Many school districts have mentoring programs that pair new teachers with experienced teachers. This is an excellent way to boost your experience, get your questions answered, and avoid the mistakes that new teachers commonly make.
Another way you may start developing your professional network is joining local teaching organizations. The Nevada State Education Association is a great resource for new and experienced teachers alike. Members can attend continuing education programs, which is essential for renewing your teaching license. You may also get legislative updates that may impact your teaching career. These groups often host networking events to help you broaden your reach and learn about new job opportunities.
While many states are facing a significant shortage of teachers, few states have as severe a shortage as Nevada. From 2014 through 2024, job openings for elementary school teachers are expected to jump 34% (O*Net, 2017). The average salary for a Nevada elementary school teacher is $54,810 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017).
Take the plunge now and get involved in the education industry. Compare local programs and contact schools in your community.
