STEM Teachers in Nevada

According to the National Science Foundation, to succeed in this new information-based and highly technological society, students need to develop their capabilities in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Those capabilities begin in classrooms across the country, including those here in Nevada. Currently, there is a shortage of STEM teachers in Nevada.

Whether you have professional experience or simply an interest in STEM, the state of Nevada needs you. Become a STEM teacher through Nevada Teachers of Tomorrow. Help students develop these much needed capabilities.

Professionals in STEM areas who decide to change their career to teaching are typically extremely effective teachers. The life experience, expertise in a STEM subject, and developed world view that career-changers possess gives them a unique perspective on teaching. Even if you did not work professionally in a STEM field, if you are passionate about the subject matter and you enjoy working with children, you’ve already established the foundation you need to become an effective teacher.

The responsibilities of STEM teachers vary depending on the age of their students. In general they usually include the following:

• Engaging students in research and learning
• Working as a team with other teachers in math and science
• Assessment and communication of students’ progress
• Acting as a learning facilitator and not just a presenter of information

Truly effective STEM teachers are able to show students the real-world applications of STEM by involving them in the learning process. That’s why a successful STEM teacher has many of the following qualities:

1. Brings STEM lessons to life with practical applications
2. Ability to adapt the curriculum to accommodate students’ different learning styles
3. An awareness of their students’ sensitivities and differences
4. A talent for encouraging students to think at a higher level
5. A commitment to continual professional development

The Nevada Teachers of Tomorrow program is approved by the state of Nevada to certify educators in many STEM subjects. To be admitted you need a four-year bachelor’s degree, with a 2.5 GPA or higher. Once we’ve received a completed application and your official transcripts you can begin our program.

Step 1: Training

After being admitted to our program, you will complete innovative, engaging online training and teacher observations to get you ready for the classroom. The Nevada Teachers of Tomorrow program provides extensive training in pedagogy, allowing STEM teachers to gain all of the skills and knowledge necessary to become an effective teacher before ever stepping foot in the classroom. Throughout the training you will observe the classrooms of veteran science teachers, and complete projects to expand upon that field experience.

Step 2: Testing

Potential teachers seeking their license in Nevada must first pass the Praxis Test 5751: Core Academic Skills for Educators Combined Test.

If you are planning to teach in a STEM subject at the elementary level you must pass Praxis 5001: Multiple Subjects exam.

Teachers wanting to teach STEM at the secondary level (7-12)  must pass the Praxis II Subject Area Tests offered by Nevada Teachers in one of the following areas:

1. Mathematics: Praxis 5161
2. Biological Science: Praxis 5235
3. Chemistry: Praxis 5245
4. General Science: Praxis 5435
5. Physical Science: Praxis 5435

They must also pass the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades 7-12 exam during their first year of employment.

Nevada Teachers of Tomorrow will be with you every step of the way with cutting-edge test preparation materials, all available on our Study Resources page.

Step 3: Teaching

When you are hired for your first year teaching in a Nevada classroom, you will earn full pay and benefits. Nevada Teachers will assign you a Field Supervisor, who will visit your classroom and be available for questions and concerns throughout your first year teaching. In collaboration with your Campus Mentor, you will be supported throughout your first two years of teaching. Upon completion of all program requirements and your first two years of teaching, you will have earned your Standard Professional License and become a fully licensed teacher in the state of Nevada.

Whether you’re interested in teaching at the elementary, middle or secondary level, educators in the field of STEM are in tremendous demand in Nevada. This is the perfect time to invest in your career and in the STEM education in Nevada. Let Nevada Teachers of Tomorrow help you become a licensed teacher.

The following is a brief list of online resources dedicated to the advancement of STEM education and teaching.
http://www.stem-by-design.com/
https://www.ed.gov/Stem