The Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation and Technology (OSIT) and the Nevada Department of Education (NDE) have announced the approval of a new STEM endorsement for licensed teachers by the State of Nevada Legislative Commission.
“With Nevada’s evolving economy, the demand for outstanding STEM educators begins at the elementary level,” stated Lis Dziminski, OSIT’s STEM Program Manager. She emphasized that educators earning this endorsement will show expertise in STEM content, pedagogy, curriculum development, and integrated instructional and assessment practices. According to Dziminski, this endorsement aims to better equip teachers to support students in developing essential skills needed in Nevada’s leading industries.
Licensed teachers in Nevada can pursue this endorsement through various pathways. These include completing programs focused on STEM at accredited colleges or universities; passing the STEM Praxis Exam for Elementary Grades while having served as a school or district STEM specialist, strategist, or leader for at least three years; or completing a course of study through an NDE-approved professional development provider.
Jhone Ebert, Superintendent of Public Instruction, commented on the new initiative: “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.” She added that this achievement aligns with the goals of the Nevada Portrait of a Learner.
To assist educators financially with obtaining this endorsement, OSIT will offer grant funding. Tracey Howard, OSIT’s STEM Program Director said: “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.”
Howard praised those involved in establishing this endorsement: “The establishment was only possible because of close collaboration between OSIT, NDE, the Commission on Professional Standards in Education, RPDPs (Regional Professional Development Programs), and the Nevada System of Higher Education.”
For more details about requirements and application processes for license endorsements or updates regarding the new initiative visit relevant websites provided by NDE and OSIT.
