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Prerequisite Coursework in Nevada
All states require at least a bachelor’s degree to teach. In Nevada, each field or subject area has specific requirements.
- Elementary Education (Grades K–8):
- 32 semester credits of courses in elementary professional education, including:
- 8 semester hours of credit in supervised student teaching in kindergarten through eighth grade
- 9 semester hours of credit in methods of teaching elementary subjects, which must include methods of teaching elementary mathematics, methods of teaching elementary science, and methods of teaching elementary social studies
- 9 credit hours in language arts or literacy
- 6 semester hours of credit in professional education coursework, which must include coursework in at least two of the following subjects: classroom management, English as a second language, technology, evaluation of pupils, child development, special education, social and cultural issues
- 6 semester hours in mathematics
- 6 semester hours in science
- 6 semester hours in social studies
- 32 semester credits of courses in elementary professional education, including:
- Middle School/Junior High (Grades 7–9):
- 24 semester credits of coursework in professional education, including:
- 8 semester credits of supervised student teaching in a designated middle school or junior high school
- A course in teaching methods for the major or minor field of specialization
- 3 semester credits in special education or teaching English language learners
- 6 semester credits in two of the following areas: middle school foundations, history, theory, or philosophy; middle school curriculum, pedagogy, or assessment; adolescent growth and development; nature and needs of the adolescent, including social, emotional, and cultural concerns; classroom management strategies; supervision and evaluation of programs and pupils in a middle school
- 6 semester credits in any of the following: ESL/bilingualism or biculturalism, educational technology, tests and measurement, educational psychology, education of the exceptional child, multicultural education, educational research
- 24 credits in a major field or area of concentration (art, English, foreign language, mathematics, music, science, or social science)
- 24 semester credits of coursework in professional education, including:
- Secondary (Grades 7–12)
- 22 semester hours of credit as follows:
- 8 semester hours of supervised teaching
- A course in the methods and materials of teaching a field of specialization
- 22 semester hours of credit as follows:
Early childhood and special education licenses are also available.
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Nevada Teacher Certification Programs
Teacher certification programs can be taken online or on-site. They typically include an educational theory and classroom skills seminar and a fieldwork component of student teaching in the area. A list of approved teacher preparation programs in Nevada can be found on the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.
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Required Tests for Nevada
Most states require tests to show competency in basic skills as well as in the desired subject area. Nevada requires the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators tests for basic skills, the Praxis II: Subject Tests in your specialty area, and the Praxis II PLT (Principles of Learning and Teaching) Grades K–6 or 7–12 for teaching those grade levels. Candidates for licensure are also required to demonstrate knowledge of Nevada School Law, the Nevada Constitution, and the United States Constitution. This requirement may be satisfied either through testing or through college/university coursework.
You can learn more about the Praxis exams by visiting Teach.coms’ Ultimate Guide to the Praxis Exams and read more about teacher certification tests on Teach.com.
Initial Teaching Certifications
To earn your Nevada teaching credential you will have to complete the appropriate amount of undergraduate coursework and standardized tests, as well as an accredited certification program. Nevada issues a Non-Renewable License (3 years) to novice teachers who have certain deficiencies in coursework, testing, or student teaching. Once a teacher becomes eligible for a Standard License, it is renewable every 5 years. Teachers with at least 3 years of experience and a graduate degree or National Board Certification can qualify for a Professional License, renewable every 6, 8, or 10 years depending on the specific advanced degree.
Learn more from the Nevada Department of Education Office of Educator Licensure about earning your Nevada teaching credential or read more about getting a teaching credential on Teach.com.
