“I didn’t know programs like this existed.”

That was Cristal Villalpando’s first reaction when she learned about UNLV’s Nevada Forward Undergraduate Apprenticeship Program. This pathway would allow her to become a licensed elementary teacher without quitting her job, relocating her family from Elko, or taking on student loans. What began as a support role has now grown into the pursuit of her dream–becoming the kind of teacher she once needed. 

Finding Her Path

Cristal began her journey working with English language learners (ELLs) with individualized education plans (IEPs) to receive the additional support they need to succeed in the classroom. There, she discovered her love for working with students. 

“The effort they put into their education despite their struggle with the language barrier stood out to me,” she said. “They also appreciated the help, and it was rewarding for me. That’s when I knew I wanted to become a teacher.”

Now a paraprofessional in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department at Elko High School, she’s ready to take the next step in her career – becoming a licensed educator through the apprenticeship program. 

A Welcome Opportunity

Upon receiving an email about the program, Cristal reached out to a colleague to learn more. 

“Once I understood it was fully funded and I could keep working while doing it, I applied immediately.”

After twelve months of flexible learning, she’s about to earn her bachelor’s degree in elementary education this summer and become the teacher she wished she had. 

More than a Career - A Path

Growing up, Cristal didn’t have teachers who looked like her. Being bilingual is part of her motivation to teach and help multilingual students adopt a more complex learning process than their single-language peers. For her, becoming a certified teacher is beyond filling a position– it’s about building relationships with the students through consistency and care.

“Kids need to see familiar faces around for years, as knowing teachers’ reputation can help them feel excited to go to school.”

Cristal also believes her transition from a paraprofessional to a licensed educator is even more critical because it helps with the ongoing teacher shortage in Nevada, especially in the community where she grew up.

“I don’t have any reason to leave Elko, I really like it here, and so do my kids,” she says. “There’s a need for teachers here, and I know other educators here.”

While she’s yet to pick the grade level she’ll teach in next year, she’s already looking forward to building strong and supportive relationships with her students.  

Written by Sakinah Musa