Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Teacher Pipeline topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
District explores UNLV apprenticeship ‘grow‑your‑own’ pathway to convert paraprofessionals into teachers
Summary
Superintendent and staff described an UNLV apprenticeship licensing program that allows paraprofessionals and aides to earn credit for on‑the‑job hours and complete degrees with minimal out‑of‑pocket cost; board signaled strong interest and asked staff to publicize enrollment opportunities.
Humboldt County School District leaders briefed trustees April 8 on a UNLV apprenticeship pathway designed to help paraprofessionals, substitutes and other school staff earn college credit and certification while working.
Superintendent Cole Hedlund said the UNLV model uses an apprenticeship license enacted by Nevada law to convert paid classroom hours into degree‑credit experience. He said the university reported high completion and retention rates in the program and that participants who already have an associate degree can earn a bachelor’s in about a year of summer/fall/spring/summer study under the pathway. Participants without an AA enter pre‑apprenticeship preparatory coursework and then join the apprenticeship cohort, which extends the timeline.
Hedlund said UNLV’s program is largely free to participants (apart from a roughly $60 application fee), and that UNLV provides a “concierge service” to manage course materials, billing and administrative steps so working adults face fewer barriers. He noted the apprenticeship license allows participants, once they complete the program, to serve in classroom roles for two years while completing remaining licensing requirements — a practical benefit where immediate classroom support is needed.
The district also described a high‑school CTE pathway that allows juniors and seniors to take four college courses and accumulate internship hours that feed into the apprenticeship program. Husband(?) Sean Taylor of the high school has worked on a summer pathway to enroll students in college credit courses, the superintendent said.
Board members encouraged immediate outreach to paraprofessionals, custodial staff, bus drivers and substitutes and asked staff to publicize an upcoming UNLV visit to explain enrollment and timelines. Several trustees noted the program’s low personal cost and flexible scheduling as advantages for local staff who want to become classroom teachers. No board action was required; staff will coordinate UNLV outreach and report next steps.
