Kenneth J. Varner

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Professor and Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Initiatives, College of Education
Expertise: Teacher preparation and pathways, Apprenticeships, Workforce development, Language and literacy, School-to-prison pipeline, Responsive teaching methods, Global education and engagement

Biography

Kenneth Varner’s research centers around the intersections of education preparation, apprenticeships, workforce development, and global education and engagement, with an emphasis on the language and literacy practices of individuals and communities. He is a frequently cited expert in teacher preparation and preparation pathway approaches in Nevada, the United States, and abroad.

Varner's work has additionally examined topics such as the school-to-prison pipeline and international education.

Varner has authored more than 100 publications including articles in Teaching & Teacher Education, Teacher’s College Record, Educational Foundations, Democracy in Education, and Social Identities.

Education

  • Ph.D., Literacy Education, Ohio State University
  • M.S., Literacy, St. John Fisher College
  • B.A., Inclusion Education, Niagara University

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books & literature, education (higher ed), education (preK-12)

Kenneth J. Varner In The News

WNBA doppelganger turning heads at the finals
The New York Times
The homage comes from a place of genuine respect. As a professor, Varner identifies with Hammon’s teaching ability. He sees her as a great teacher who inspires and brings out the best in her players; he loved the idea of Hammon assigning scouting reports to her players after their worst loss of the season, because explaining topics is a great learning tactic. He also appreciates how Hammon tries to teach and train her assistant coaches, which resulted in two of them being hired as head coaches and Natalie Nakase winning Coach of the Year in Golden State’s inaugural season.
As the school district welcomes 800 new teachers, veteran educators say retention remains a concern
Las Vegas Weekly
Megan Griffard’s early education career included a stint teaching at Mojave High School before she left to pursue her doctorate out of state. She returned in 2022 to find the Clark County School District battling a staggering 1,367 vacant teaching positions.
Nevada Forward: A real solution to the teacher shortage
AFT
Here’s what I hear on the frontlines of the teacher shortage, where educators — and students — are struggling with crowded classrooms and a lack of resources. “I am overwhelmed.” “I didn’t sign up to be a nurse, a doctor and a social worker.” “Our classes are too big.” “I’m burned out.”
English language educators in Las Vegas Valley may get more help
Las Vegas Review Journal
Nevada, she said, would have a leg up in applying for funding. Why? Because it already has a program that fits the mold. On Monday afternoon, Cortez Masto visited UNLV, where Nevada Forward Initiative first started (originally called Paraprofessional Pathways Project) in 2021. The program has since been expanded into an undergraduate and graduate program, offering apprenticeships to people on their path to becoming licensed teachers.
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Articles Featuring Kenneth J. Varner

UNLV Experts Available: Back-to-School
A classroom with UNLV letters.
Campus News | August 8, 2025

School districts are ready for another school year, and UNLV's experts are prepared to make this the easiest return to the classroom yet.

All Articles Featuring Kenneth J. Varner