In response to Nevada’s critical teacher shortage and the need for more accessible pathways into the education profession, the Nevada Forward Apprenticeship Program was born — not in isolation, but through deep collaboration with school districts, workforce agencies, and community organizations.
Nevada Forward embodies UNLV’s commitment to sustainable, equity-driven partnerships that serve both the university and the broader community. The program was in partnership with 12 school districts, more than 10 charter school networks, and key organizations like the Public Education Foundation and Nevada Workforce Connections. It aims to address a pressing community need: creating a pathway for school support staff, paraprofessionals, and long-term substitutes — many of whom are first-generation college students — to become licensed teachers.
For its groundbreaking work and far-reaching impact, the program director's, Kenny Varner, was selected as this year’s recipient of the UNLV Faculty/Staff Community Outreach Award. Varner is a professor and associate dean for academic programs and initiatives in the Department of Teaching and Learning.
Transformative Outcomes, Shared Benefits
Since its inception, more than 1,200 apprentices have enrolled in the program, all are non-traditional students for whom a typical degree program would not have worked. Many participants are the first in their families to attend college. More than 65% of participants come from communities who are underrepresented in the teaching profession, helping to diversify Nevada’s teaching workforce in ways that directly reflect its student population.
For rural and Indigenous communities, where recruiting and retaining teachers has long been a challenge, Nevada Forward offers students the opportunity to complete their degrees while staying in their communities. This not only impacts schools and students, but also strengthens local economies.
The program boasts an impressive 97.6% completion rate, far surpassing national benchmarks. Apprentices serve at more than 350 school sites, and 95% of participants remain in the profession, helping to reinforce Nevada’s educational infrastructure and address the state’s persistent shortage of licensed educators.
“The benefits flow both ways,” Varner said. “UNLV faculty and staff are innovating in advising, instruction, and student support, while community partners see strengthened workforce pipelines, higher earnings for participants, and long-term economic impacts.”
National Recognition, Local Impact
Recognized by both the Nevada Department of Education and the Department of Labor, Nevada Forward has become a national model for apprenticeship-based workforce development in education. States facing similar educator shortages are beginning to replicate its structure, aligning workforce goals with higher education access.
“I can attest to the profound impact Nevada Forward has had on reducing teacher shortages while enhancing the quality of both teacher preparation and apprenticeship modeling,” said Toni Giddens, Nevada’s Office of Labor Commissioner. “It’s a model of collaboration between higher education, K-12 schools, and the public and private sectors. It serves as a national example of how to effectively address teacher shortages and diversify the educator workforce with positive long-term economic impacts.”
As the nation’s largest teacher apprenticeship initiative, Nevada Forward exemplifies the university’s commitment to building sustainable partnerships, leveraging institutional strengths, and creating meaningful pathways for underrepresented populations in Nevada’s workforce.
