The Teacher Academy College Pathway Program in Nevada is an initiative designed to address the state’s teacher shortage by creating a streamlined pathway for high school students to explore and pursue a career in education. The program, part of Nevada Assembly Bill 428 (AB 428), aims to attract students into the teaching profession by offering dual enrollment opportunities that allow them to earn both high school and college credits while participating in specialized courses focused on teaching and education.
The pathway typically involves collaboration between high schools, colleges, and universities, particularly the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE), to ensure students have access to the resources and support needed to complete a bachelor’s degree and teacher certification after high school graduation. It also emphasizes career and technical education (CTE) and is aligned with broader efforts to address equity and diversity in teacher recruitment by creating more accessible entry points into the profession for students from underrepresented communities.
High school students in Nevada are eligible to participate. The program is designed to attract a diverse group of students from different backgrounds and who have a passion for teaching.
The program involves a combination of dual enrollment courses and field experiences in teaching. Students take education-related courses that count toward both high school and college credits. They also have the opportunity to gain real-world experience through internships or practicums in schools. Upon high school graduation, students can transition into teacher preparation programs at Nevada colleges or universities.
The program is a collaborative effort involving high schools, particularly those with CTE programs, and colleges within the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE). The Teacher Academy College Pathway Program partners with institutions like the College of Southern Nevada (CSN), the Nevada State University (NSU), the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), and the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) to provide dual enrollment opportunities for high school students.
The program seeks to address several challenges, including:
Students take courses that focus on the foundations of teaching, child development, instructional strategies, and education theory. These courses count toward both high school graduation requirements and college credits. In some cases, students also engage in practicums where they can observe or assist in classrooms to gain hands-on experience.
Nevada Assembly Bill 428 (AB 428) is legislation that supports the Teacher Academy College Pathway Program by establishing a framework for the development of these pathways in high schools across the state. The bill provides guidelines and funding to ensure the program’s implementation and success, with a focus on expanding access to the teaching profession.
 Students and families can contact their high school’s TACCP Site Coordinator or counselor to learn more about how to enroll in the Teacher Academy College Pathway Program.
