Nevada Introduces STEM Endorsement for Licensed Teachers
January 13, 2025
CARSON CITY, Nev. – The Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation and Technology (OSIT) and the Nevada Department of Education (NDE) proudly announce the approval by the State of Nevada Legislative Commission of a new STEM endorsement for licensed teachers.
“With Nevada’s evolving economy, the demand for outstanding STEM educators begins at the elementary level,” said Lis Dziminski, OSIT’s STEM Program Manager. “Educators earning this endorsement will have demonstrated expertise in STEM content, pedagogy, curriculum development, and integrated instructional and assessment practices. By earning this endorsement, teachers will be better equipped to support students in developing the durable skills needed to thrive in our State's leading industries. This endorsement reinforces Nevada’s dedication for delivering high-quality STEM education.”
Nevada licensed teachers can pursue the STEM endorsement through multiple pathways. These include completing STEM-focused programs at accredited colleges or universities; passing the STEM Praxis Exam for Elementary Grades while serving for at least three years as a school or district STEM specialist, strategist, or leader; or successfully completing a course of study and training through a Nevada Department of Education-approved professional development provider.
“The new STEM endorsement is a shining example of a collaborative partnership that focuses on recognizing Nevada’s valued educators who bring a wealth of expertise and passion to their classrooms,” said Jhone Ebert, Superintendent of Public Instruction. “This achievement aligns with the goals of the Nevada Portrait of a Learner, empowering educators to equip students with the skills and mindsets needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.”
To support educators, the Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation and Technology will offer grant funding to assist with costs incurred while acquiring the STEM endorsement.
“Not only does this endorsement recognize the expertise of STEM teachers and specialists across the State, it provides all of Nevada’s elementary, early childhood, and special education teachers options for attaining that expertise in STEM education,” said Tracey Howard, OSIT’s STEM Program Director. “The establishment of this endorsement was only possible because of the close collaboration between OSIT, NDE, the Commission on Professional Standards in Education, the RPDPs, and the Nevada System of Higher Education. I applaud all of those involved for getting this done, while keeping Nevada’s students front-of-mind. Yet again, Nevada knocks it out of the park.”
For information about requirements and the application process for license endorsements, visit the Nevada Department of Education’s website at https://doe.nv.gov/educator-licensure.
For updates regarding the STEM license endorsement, sign up for the STEM Hub newsletter at https://www.stemhub.nv.gov/form/email-signup.
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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. Learn more at https://doe.nv.gov/ and join us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram.
About the Governor's Office of Science, Innovation and Technology The Governor's Office of Science, Innovation and Technology (OSIT) works to coordinate and align efforts by K-12 and higher education, workforce development, and employers to improve science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and STEM workforce development so that Nevada’s workforce can meet the demands of its growing economy. Learn more at https://osit.nv.gov/.