March 28, 2023

Carson City, Nev. - The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) is proud to announce that Dr. Silvana Gorton, the State Director for Title II-Part A, has been named as the State Leadership Award recipient for the National Association of Federal Education Program Administrators (NAFEPA).

In her role at NDE, Dr. Gorton plays a critical role in improving teacher quality and student achievement by helping schools and districts with professional development funding through grants and subgrants. She’s known for building strong relationships with district and school leadership. She provides guidance, support, and technical assistance to school leaders to ensure district and local priorities are aligned with state priorities.

“Silvana is absolutely deserving of this award. She brings a warmth and personal touch to everything she does. She has created true partnerships with district and school leaders,” says State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jhone Ebert. “Everyone knows she goes above and beyond to not only make sure our school leaders have access to the funding they need for professional development, but also support and caring from a trusted partner that always keeps educator and student needs in mind.”

Dr. Gorton has been with the Nevada Department of Education for over five years and has implemented innovative strategies to support educators in their professional development, ensuring that students in Nevada receive high-quality instruction from well-trained teachers. Those who work with Dr. Gorton say she is a caring and compassionate advocate for educators and students alike.

“As a highly valued member of the Department, Dr. Gorton is our state Title II A director who works very closely with district and state personnel to ensure that title IIA funds are used and spent appropriately to support teacher and administrator professional learning,” said Craig Statucki, Interim Deputy Superintendent of Educator Effectiveness and Family Engagement. “She is very involved in many statewide projects including the Mindful Social Emotional and Academic Development (SEAD) initiative. Silvana has worked collaboratively with the non-profit partner Mindful SEAD to inspire innovative teaching and learning by supporting mindful practices of the adults at the school.”

Karen Holley from Nye County School District nominated Dr. Gorton for the award.

“I thought of Silvana Gorton for the NAFEPA award because of her value to all districts in Nevada,” said Karen Holley, Coordinator of Federal and State Programs. “She is knowledgeable and professional in regard to federal funding. She is always willing to assist districts in understanding federal guidelines and making sure that we are in compliance. She is consistent and reliable, always helping us learn and following up to make sure things are working out correctly. She is a solid member of the NDE team and the federal program administrators across the state recognize that and are thankful for all she does.”

Dr. Gorton is proud to have been born to immigrant parents and is the first in her family to attend college. Silvana earned an Ed. S. in School Psychology at the University of Northern Colorado and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Innovation at the University of Colorado.

NAFEPA is a national organization that represents federal program directors, coordinators, and supervisors who work in education agencies across the United States. The State Leadership Award is presented to an outstanding educational leader who has made significant contributions to the administration of federal education programs in their state.

Visit the National Association of Federal Education Program Administrators website to learn more about the program.

About the Nevada Department of Education

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) leads and collaborates with Nevada’s 17 school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority to advance educational equity Statewide. With offices in Carson City and Las Vegas, NDE oversees all pre-K-12 education in the State, working to achieve its mission to improve student achievement and educator effectiveness by ensuring opportunities, facilitating learning, and promoting excellence. Under the leadership of the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction, NDE impacts the achievement of nearly half a million children and 30,000 educators.