Home-Grown Teachers: Fast-Track Higher Education Expands Opportunities for Rural Communities
For Holly Salazar, education is a calling. As a dedicated paraprofessional with the Elko County School District, she’s spent years supporting students. Now, through a unique pre-apprenticeship program, she’s taking the next step toward achieving her dream of becoming a full-time teacher.
A Calling Sparked Early in Life
Holly’s passion for teaching was sparked at an early age. At 18, she began working as an assistant teacher at a child care center in Wells, Nevada, thanks to the encouragement of her best friend. From the moment she stepped into the classroom, she was hooked. “I instantly fell in love with it. I loved teaching the kids and watching them grow,” Holly recalls.
Finding Confidence and Community Support
Currently working through general education requirements in the Nevada Forward™ Undergraduate Pre-Apprenticeship Program, Holly is working toward her degree in early childhood education and expects to finish next year. As a full-time working mother, the program’s flexibility has been a game-changer. “Being able to take classes online at my own pace, after work, without having to go to a physical classroom has made all the difference,” she shares.
Holly first heard about the program through her coworkers, and although she initially worried that she might be too old to go back to school, she quickly realized this was the perfect opportunity. “I needed to fast-track my degree so I could become a teacher faster,” she said. In addition to the program’s accelerated timeline, she believes the support system it provides has been invaluable. “The guidance and mentoring offered throughout the program help keep me on track. Life happens, and having that extra support makes it easier to juggle work, school, and family.”
Inspired to Make a Difference
Her decision to pursue teaching isn’t just about personal fulfillment—it’s also about making a difference in the Elko community that she and her daughters love. Holly has her sights set on teaching second grade, a pivotal time when students begin developing a love for learning. “The kids are still sweet, but they’re also starting to come into their own. I love watching that transformation,” she explained.
Beyond her personal goals, Holly recognizes the broader impact of her journey. With the ongoing teacher shortage in Nevada, she hopes to inspire others to follow in her footsteps. “I tell people about this program all the time. It’s an amazing opportunity to earn a degree, receive mentorship, and get the support needed to succeed. And the best part? No student loan debt,” she emphasizes.
Rooted in Community, Driven by Purpose
As she continues her journey toward becoming a licensed teacher, Holly remains a testament to perseverance, passion, and the importance of providing higher education opportunities within rural communities. With her unwavering dedication, she’s not just shaping her own future—she’s helping to shape the future of countless young learners in her community.