How To Become a Teacher in Nevada 2025

<p>As in much of the U.S., Nevada is facing a teacher shortage. If you'd like to learn how to <a href="https://learn.org/articles/how_to_become_a_teacher.html">become a teacher</a>, we've outlined a step-by-step path to entering the profession. Additionally, you'll find details on alternative routes to licensure, the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/fastest_program_to_become_a_teacher.html">quickest way to become a teacher</a> for those with a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field. </p> <h2 id="section---StepsToBecomeATeacherInNevada">Steps To Become a Teacher in Nevada</h2> <p>You must meet specific educational, testing, and background check requirements to become a teacher in Nevada. These requirements vary depending on the grade level, subject, and type of school (public, private, or charter) you choose. The step-by-step outline below guides you through the key considerations and requirements. </p> <h3 id="section---Step1DecideWhatSubjectAndGradeLevelYouWantToTeach">Step 1: Decide What Subject and Grade Level You Want To Teach</h3> <p>Nevada's requirements to become a teacher vary according to the grade level and subject you prefer to teach. All teachers must have a bachelor's degree, pass content knowledge exams, and complete student teaching hours. </p> <h4 id="section---BecomingAnElementarySchoolTeacher">Becoming an Elementary School Teacher</h4> <p>Elementary education is unique because educators must be able to teach multiple subjects, like reading, math, and science, to multiple grade levels. For example, if you want to <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Kindergarten_Teacher_How_to_Become_a_Kindergarten_Teacher_in_5_Steps.html">become a kindergarten teacher</a>, you'll need to complete a degree in early childhood education and student teaching hours, then pass the Praxis Elementary Education exam. </p> <h4 id="section---BecomingAMiddleSchoolTeacher">Becoming a Middle School Teacher</h4> <p>If you prefer teaching slightly older students, you'll need a degree in early adolescence education or in a particular subject, such as language arts or history. To meet Nevada's <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Are_the_Requirements_to_be_a_Middle_School_Teacher.html">middle school teacher educational requirements</a>, you must pass a certification exam to demonstrate your subject matter expertise and complete a student teaching practicum. </p> <h4 id="section---BecomingAHighSchoolTeacher">Becoming a High School Teacher</h4> <p>High school teachers typically hold a bachelor's degree in the subject area they teach, such as math, history, or biology. <a href="https://learn.org/articles/High_School_Teacher_How_to_Become_a_High_School_Teacher_in_5_Steps.html">High school teacher educational requirements</a> include all high school teachers passing content-specific Praxis exams as well as the Principles of Learning and Teaching exam. </p> <h3 id="section---Step2ChooseYourMajor">Step 2: Choose Your Major</h3> <p>When selecting a degree major, you will want to consider the age group of students you wish to teach and what subject you'd like to teach. For elementary teaching, majors in elementary education are the most common. However, middle and high school level teachers should choose a major aligned with the subject they plan to teach. </p> <p>You should also consider employment demand when making these decisions. For example, Nevada school districts have the highest demand for English, math, science, and special education teachers. You will also want to ensure the program you choose is approved by the Nevada Department of Education (DOE). </p> <h3 id="section---Step3EarnYourBachelorSDegree">Step 3: Earn Your Bachelor's Degree</h3> <p>All Nevada teachers must have at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university that includes a teacher preparation program approved by the Nevada DOE. These degree programs typically include general education coursework, adolescent psychology, pedagogy, and student teaching hours. Student teaching is a critical part of any teacher preparation program. It gives you the opportunity to gain hands-on classroom experience to develop essential skills, such as classroom management, effective lesson design, and addressing student needs, under the mentorship of an experienced and licensed teacher. </p> <h3 id="section---Step4ConsiderAMasterSDegree">Step 4: Consider a Master's Degree</h3> <p>You don't need a master's degree for Nevada teacher licensure. However, it can be an asset as you progress in your teaching career. An advanced degree can qualify you for leadership roles and specialized teaching positions in Nevada's public school system, such as instructional coaches. Many Nevada educators pursue graduate programs in fields like curriculum development, educational leadership, or special education, which are in high demand statewide. </p> <p>A master's degree can also qualify you for higher salaries within district pay structures, such as those in the Clark County and Washoe County School Districts. Some Nevada universities, like the University of Nevada Reno, and Nevada State University, even offer flexible master's programs for actively working teachers. </p> <h3 id="section---Step5PassNevadaTeachingExamsAndGainLicensure">Step 5: Pass Nevada Teaching Exams and Gain Licensure</h3> <p>Aspiring teachers must meet specific testing and certification requirements to become licensed educators in Nevada. </p> <p>The Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators is three separate tests assessing a candidate's basic knowledge in reading, writing, and mathematics required for all educators. The Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching tests grade-level specific pedagogical knowledge. And those looking to teach a particular subject must pass a Praxis Subject Assessment in their chosen area. </p> <p>A fingerprint-based background check through the Nevada Department of Public Safety and the FBI is also required before applying for your teaching license through the Nevada DOE's OPAL Online Portal for Application and Licensure (OPAL) system. </p> <h3 id="section---Step6ApplyForTeachingJobs">Step 6: Apply for Teaching Jobs</h3> <p>Once your teaching certificate has been issued, you can begin applying for positions in Nevada's public, charter, or private schools. School districts like Clark County School District (CCSD) and Washoe County School District (WCSD) are among the largest employers in the state and frequently list openings on their official websites. You can also search for job opportunities using online platforms such as the <a href="https://doe.nv.gov/employment-opportunities">Nevada DOE's job board</a>. </p> <p>Tailoring your resume and cover letter to highlight your teaching credentials and relevant work experience will increase your chances of securing a position. Networking through job fairs, university career services, and teacher associations can also help you find the right fit. Nevada schools typically hire on a rolling basis, so staying active in your job search is key. </p> <h2 id="section---HowToChooseTheRightTeachingDegreeProgram">How To Choose the Right Teaching Degree Program</h2> <p>The teaching degree program you choose is crucial to ensure a smooth path toward licensure and employment in Nevada's public school system. </p> <p>When selecting a teaching program, select a regionally accredited teacher preparation program approved by the Nevada DOE. These programs must include both academic coursework and supervised student teaching experiences that meet state licensure requirements. </p> <p>You should also ensure the program offers appropriate grade-level endorsements, such as elementary, secondary, or special education. Some Nevada-based universities offer flexible course delivery formats, such as online or hybrid programs, to accommodate working educators. Additionally, check that the institution supports licensure preparation, including Praxis exam readiness and field placement assistance. </p> <h2 id="section---FAQsAboutBecomingATeacherInNevada">FAQs About Becoming a Teacher in Nevada</h2> <p>Deciding to begin a teaching career is a big decision. Here, you'll find the answers to some of the most critical considerations when entering the field. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatRequirementsAreNeededToBeATeacherInNevada">What Requirements Are Needed To Be a Teacher in Nevada?</h3> <p>To become a teacher in Nevada, you'll need to meet state-mandated criteria, including earning a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution, completing a Nevada-approved teacher preparation program, and passing the required Praxis exams. You must also complete a fingerprint-based background check through the Nevada Department of Public Safety and the FBI. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatQualificationsDoINeedToBecomeAHighSchoolTeacherInNevada">What Qualifications Do I Need To Become a High School Teacher in Nevada?</h3> <p>To qualify as a high school teacher in Nevada, you must hold a bachelor's degree in the subject area you wish to teach. You will also need to complete a teacher preparation program that includes student teaching in a secondary school setting and pass Praxis content exams and background checks to receive your teaching license from the Nevada DOE. </p> <h3 id="section---HowLongDoesItTakeToBecomeATeacherInNevada">How Long Does It Take To Become a Teacher in Nevada?</h3> <p>Becoming a licensed teacher in Nevada typically takes around four to five years. Completing a bachelor's degree with integrated teacher preparation coursework takes around four years. After completing your degree, it may take several additional months to pass all required licensure exams, complete the fingerprinting process for clearances, and submit your application through the OPAL system. </p> <h3 id="section---DoRequirementsDifferAtPrivateSchoolsAndPublicSchools">Do Requirements Differ at Private Schools and Public Schools?</h3> <p>Private schools in Nevada operate under different employment standards than public schools. Public school teachers are required to hold a valid Nevada teaching license. However, private schools have more flexibility and may hire teachers without state certification. Nevertheless, most private schools still prefer candidates with formal teaching credentials. </p> <h2 id="section---StartYourTeachingCareer">Start Your Teaching Career</h2> <p>Now that you know the steps and requirements to become a teacher in Nevada, it's time to get started earning your degree, passing your exams, and securing your teaching certificate so you can make a difference in Nevada classrooms. Reaching out to colleges that are highlighted on Learn.org to learn more.</p>