With deep sadness, we remember Dr. Jane McCarthy, who passed away last week. Her contributions to the Department of Teaching and Learning, the College of Education, and the university extended far beyond the many leadership positions she held. Her life’s work reflected a steadfast commitment to preparing teachers, strengthening schools, and advancing equitable educational opportunities for children.
Jane expressed that commitment in her own words:
“Teacher education has not been a career for me; it has been a passion. I have endeavored to improve the lives of pre-K through 12 students by helping pre-service and in-service teachers develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to provide equitable educational opportunities for all children. I have worked with schools in many states and countries over the years...”
After joining UNLV in 1991, Jane served the department through teaching, scholarship, and leadership, including appointments as department chair, associate chair, and graduate coordinator. Her work connected teacher preparation with the needs of schools and communities, emphasizing reflective practice, teacher leadership, and meaningful collaboration. As director of the UNLV Accelerated Schools Project, she helped bring university expertise and school partnerships together to support educational improvement.
Within the college, Jane served as interim dean, interim executive associate dean, interim chair of Special Education, and Lincy Professor of Education. Across these roles, she contributed to the college’s academic mission while maintaining her focus on the educators and children that mission ultimately serves. Her leadership also reached across the university through her service as chair of the commencement committee and UNLV Faculty Senate. Her contributions were recognized with the Outstanding UNLV Faculty Member award from the Alumni Association and the Board of Regents Outstanding Faculty Award.
Nationally, Jane helped shape the profession through her presidency of the Association of Teacher Educators, leadership of its Leadership Academy, mentoring of newer ATE members to encourage their participation, and service on commissions addressing social justice and teacher research. Her books, articles, and presentations contributed to scholarship on school reform, collaborative leadership, reflective teacher preparation, and educational equity. The association recognized her contributions with honors including the Distinguished Teacher Educator Award and the Duaine Lang Distinguished Mentor Award.
Jane’s influence also extended internationally through her presidency of the World Federation of Associations of Teacher Education and her work with educators across countries. Whether working internationally or alongside high-needs schools in Clark County, she remained guided by the conviction that preparing and supporting teachers could improve children’s lives.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Jane’s family, friends, former students, and colleagues. We honor her enduring contributions to our department, college, university, and profession, and the passion for equitable education that gave her work its purpose.
