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.

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.

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.”

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.

With ongoing contract disputes between Clark County School District and Clark County Education Association, many question what the future of teachers will look like.

The effort to fill teaching positions in our schools continues. Educator shortages are leading to teacher burnout, and students are also feeling the impact. A UNLV program is meant to get teachers into our classrooms at a time when they're needed the most.

It's not always simple, but here are questions to ask to make sure your kid's Halloween costume doesn't cross the line.

Every Halloween, the phrase "cultural appropriation" comes up in conversation — so, what is that? How do we explain it to children? And how can families make sure their Halloween costumes aren't distasteful?