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

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.

Kenneth Varner in red shirt and arms crossed while standing outside
People |

Kenny Varner, the 2025 Faculty/Staff Community Outreach Award winner, tackles the state's critical teacher shortage through the Nevada Forward Initiative.

black and white photo of Herbert Derfelt
UNLV History |

UNLV’s origin story traces back to one vote by one man, Herb Derfelt. And his legacy continues through generations of family members who followed in his educator footsteps.

Pate Thomas holds a photo of his great-grandfather Herbert Derfelt
UNLV History |

Pate Thomas initially had no desire to add his name to the long list of family members who became Rebels and then educators. Now? He’s a proud alum, a difference-making educator, and the boss of a brand-new high school.

Teaching and Learning In The News

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.

TODOS Mathematics For All Podcast

What happens when three Asian American women math educators come together to reflect on their journeys, activism, and the role of mathematics in justice? In this powerful episode, Dr. Kari Kokka—math educator, social justice advocate, and former high school teacher—joins hosts Shari Kaku and Michelle Lo for an inspiring conversation about searching for our own stories, math identity, and community organizing.

Teaching and Learning Experts

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An expert on teacher preparation and diversity in classrooms.

Recent Teaching and Learning Accomplishments

Federick Ngo (Educational Psychology, Leadership, and Higher Education) and Monique North, (Ph.D. '25) presented a paper co-authored with Xue Xing (Teaching and Learning) at the 2025 NPWR Forum. The event was hosted by the Nevada Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation (DETR) and the Governor's Office of Workforce Innovation (…
Benita R. Brooks (Teaching and Learning), Tillie Torres, Celest Diaz, and Blaze Epps (all Mater Academy East Campus) presented at the Literacy Research Association’s 75th Annual Conference on Dec. 3 during the Special Study Group Session: Educators, Administrators, and State Department Colleagues at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas. Their…
Howard R. D. Gordon (Teaching and Learning) was invited and participated in a virtual meeting to discuss the career and technical education (CTE) landscape in Indiana, with specific attention to higher education. The discussion was guided by a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis provided by Purdue University, Ball State…
Chia-Liang (Leo) Dai (Teaching and Learning) co-authored an article with colleagues Ching-Chen Chen (Counselor Education, School Psychology, and Human Services), and Dr. Yin Guo, Dr. Sharma, and student Jacquelyn Rodriguez (all Public Health). The article, "Evidence-based Review of Yoga Interventions for Adolescent Health and Well-being in US…
Howard R. D. Gordon (Teaching & Learning) recently served as the lead external academic program review evaluator for the Department  of Organization, Workforce, and Leadership Studies (OWLS) at Texas State University. The OWLS department prepares adult learners for career success through interdisciplinary research, teaching, and service…
Julie Acheson, Safiyya Bintali, and Andrew Borts (all Information Technology) presented at the AI in the Classroom: A Virtual Summit, hosted by UNLV and UNR. Acheson, joined by Sam Leif (Teaching and Learning), presented on strategies to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into course creation and design workflows while recognizing the…