Nevada Teacher License Renewal Requirements

<p>In the state of Nevada, teachers may renew emergency substitute licenses, standard teaching licenses and professional teaching licenses. The general requirements for license renewal are summarized in the table below. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td>Education/Experience Required</td><td> Valid teaching license</td></tr> <tr><td>Exam Requirements </td><td> None</td></tr> <tr><td>Certification Renewal Period </td><td>Five years (standard license)</td></tr> <tr><td>Requirements for Renewal </td><td> Completion of six semester hours of continuing education OR <br /> Completion of six professional development credits</td></tr> <tr><td>Average Salary (2018) </td><td> $32,540 (preschool teachers in NV) <br /> $56,280 (kindergarten teachers in NV) <br /> $56,970 (elementary school teachers in NV) <br /> $58,460 (middle school teachers in NV) <br /> $57,910 (high school teachers in NV)*</td></tr> <tr><td>Estimated Job Growth (2016-2026) </td><td> 10% (preschool teachers nationally) <br /> 7% (kindergarten and elementary school teachers nationally) <br /> 8% (middle school teachers nationally) <br /> 8% (high school teachers nationally)*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---GeneralAcademicRequirementsForLicenseRenewal">General Academic Requirements for License Renewal</h3> <p>An emergency substitute teaching license may be renewed if the educator completes a training program in the basics of the U.S. and Nevada constitutions. The five-year standard teaching license may be renewed by completing at least six semester hours of continuing education at an accredited college or university or by completing six professional development units. Professional teaching licenses are valid for six, eight and ten years if the holder has a master's degree, education specialist degree or doctorate respectively. Educators with a professional license must complete the same requirements as the standard license in order to renew their license. </p> <p>There are specific requirements that holders of a special license or endorsement must fulfill. For example, a school nurse must have proof of current licensure by the State Board of Nursing while an educator with an endorsement in Automotive Service Technology must hold valid ASE certification as a master automobile technician. </p> <h3 id="section---ContinuingEducationAndProfessionalDevelopmentOptions">Continuing Education and Professional Development Options</h3> <p>For the credits to count towards license renewal, they must have been earned after the license was issued and before applying for renewal. Educators may earn continuing education and professional development credits by: </p> <ul><li>Attending a conference approved by the Nevada Department of Education that is related to their area of licensure. </li><li>Travelling for at least 30 days for matters relating to their area of licensure. </li><li>Completing a course at an accredited college or university that is related to their area of licensure. </li><li>Conducting a seminar or workshop if the educator holds a master's degree or higher. </li><li>Completing 160 hours or more of full-time employment if the educator holds a special CTE license. </li><li>Completing the requirements for National Board Certification. </li></ul><p>The Nevada Department of Education maintains a list of approved continuing education providers. These include the Clark County School District, the Washoe County School District and the Regional Professional Development Program (RPDP). </p> <h3 id="section---BackgroundProcessAndSelfDisclosure">Background Process and Self-Disclosure</h3> <p>In order to renew a teaching license, educators must undergo the background check process again as well as self-disclose any convictions, charges or disciplinary actions taken against them during the period of their license. The supporting documents for what has been disclosed must also be presented at the time of application for renewal. These documents include court documents, attorney documents or communications regarding disciplinary actions taken by the relevant authorities. </p> <h3 id="section---ApplicationProcess">Application Process</h3> <p>For all license types, the educator may submit their renewal application through the OPAL online portal on the Nevada Department of Education website. The educator must complete the self-disclosure section as well as upload pdf files of their proof of citizenship, supporting documents for self-disclosure and any applicable professional development certificates. Official transcripts can be dropped off at the department's Las Vegas or Carson City offices or the accredited institution may send the official transcripts via email to transcripts@doe.nv.gov. The application fee can also be paid through the online portal. Once the online application has been completed, the educator will receive emails confirming the payment of the application fee and guiding the educator through the background check process.</p>