Two students sitting at a desk while a professor is walking around the classroom

Department of Teaching and Learning News

We are focused on educational research and the preparation of educators at all levels. In addition to our bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs, our professional education programs focus on essential knowledge, established and current research findings, and sound professional practice.

Current Teaching and Learning News

The top of a UNLV graduation cap overlooking a crowd of graduation students at Commencement.
People |

The newest Rebel grads reflect on their time at UNLV and share what the future holds.

man leaning against table in front of TV screen and wall that reads Dreamscape Learn
People |

This audiovisual specialist brought fun shirts and award-winning TV production experience to his job building technology spaces for Rebels.

UNLV letters with red flower petals falling around it
People |

Across generations, Rebels share how UNLV served as the setting for their love stories.

Closeup of a graduation cap decorated with the phrase UNLV 2025
Campus News |

In longstanding tradition, UNLV president recognizes seven students whose academic and community achievements embody the Rebel spirit of the graduating class.

Kasra Ghaharian and students involved in State of AI report
Research |

This latest initiative from the International Gaming Institute is setting the standard for ethical AI use in the industry.

closeup of hand touching herbs growing in hydroponic system
Campus News |

UNLV, UNR Extension collaboration cultivates an early interest in science and engineering.

Teaching and Learning In The News

KNPR News

Students from UNLV’s Colleges of Fine Arts and Education collaborated to create hands-on learning experiences for children enrolled at the Lynn Bennett Early Childhood Education Center.

Las Vegas Review Journal

Schools in Southern Nevada are beginning to enter a new age of artificial intelligence-assisted education. With hopes of offering more customized instruction for students and assistance for stretched thin teachers, the Clark County School District is dipping its toes into the AI waters through a one-year pilot program this year.

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.

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.

KLAS-TV: 8 News Now

Michael Bottachelli, known as Mr. Bee, is transforming history education at Doral Academy Red Rock High School by using TikTok and rap to engage students.

KLAS-TV: 8 News Now

Social media is offering educators new ways to engage students. But whether it's effective, depends on who you ask.

Teaching and Learning Experts

An expert on STEM education.
An expert in educational technology and self-regulated learning.
An expert in language and literacy practices, teacher preparation, and the school-to-prison pipeline.
An expert in educational equity and race theory in education.
An expert on teacher preparation and diversity in classrooms.

Recent Teaching and Learning Accomplishments

Kari Kokka (Teaching and Learning) gave the opening keynote for the University of Arizona's Humanizing and Culturally Affirming Teacher Preparation Program (HCAT) Summer Institute (June 23, 2026).
Trenton Dawson, Marcedes Butler, and Kenneth Varner (all Teaching and Learning) published “What counts as competent teaching? A systematic narrative synthesis of teacher competencies in K-12 education” in the Teaching & Teacher Education journal.
Hasan Deniz (Teaching and Learning) and Ph.D. student Dilara Kara-Zorluoglu (Teaching and Learning) published with co-authors Ezgi Yesilyurt (Utah State University), Erdogan Kaya (University of Texas at Arlington), Refika Turgut (University of South Carolina Upstate), and Elif Adibelli-Sahin an article titled “Unpacking the sources of computer…
Shaoan Zhang, Ph.D., (Teaching and Learning) has been appointed to serve on the American Educational Research Association (AERA) International Relations Committee (IRC) for a three-year term through 2029. AERA is the largest national research association dedicated to the scientific study of education and learning. The International Relations…
Congratulations to Isabella Shenouda, Noah Karnafel, and Hongming Xu (all Teaching and Learning) on receiving the UNLV Teaching Expo: Best (and Worst) Teaching Practices 2026 People’s Choice Award. This recognition reflects the  doctoral students’ dedication to learning and teaching in higher education, as well as their positive contributions…
Congratulations to Noah Karnafel (Teaching and Learning) on receiving the Doral Academy Excellence in Education Gala: New Teacher of the Year 2026 award! This is a wonderful recognition of his dedication and positive impact on students and the school community.