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Las Vegas

Las Vegas is built on dreamers and doers. At Teach For America Las Vegas, we are working to ensure that all students have the opportunity to reach their dreams.
Corps member reads on carpet in Golfarb Elementary school.
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About Us

When people think of Las Vegas, they usually think of bright lights, a blazing sun, or slot machines. But there’s another face of the city, one very different from most stories about Sin City.  

There is great opportunity, but also great need. Today, more than half of students in Las Vegas and the surrounding area attend Title I schools and qualify for free and reduced-price lunch—a proxy for poverty—that we know can be hard on students, families, and under-resourced schools. Nevada has the lowest percentage of children enrolled in early childhood programs in the country, and for the past few years has had the lowest or second-lowest high school graduation rate for African American, Latinx, Special Education, and English Language Learner students in the nation. These factors have posed a serious threat to our state’s future.  

Alongside many parents, educators, business, and community leaders, we are working to strengthen the education system as we know that education is the key to greater opportunities in college and beyond. Join these trailblazers in this pivotal moment for Las Vegas as we partner with those already engaged in challenging educational inequity and work towards a better future for all kids.

“I feel a strong sense of pride knowing I can validate my students' different identities. Being a culturally responsive teacher is so important to the holistic development of our youth.”

Narcisa Zepeda

Las Vegas & Reno Corps Member 2022

Builders wanted.

Check your eligibility to join the Las Vegas & Reno corps today.
Check Eligibility

Living Here

Corps members have the freedom to live anywhere in the Las Vegas Valley. Many choose to live near their school sites in North Las Vegas, east Las Vegas, or downtown Las Vegas, while other choose to commute from Henderson and Summerlin.

Las Vegas is more than it seems, and while the world-famous Strip offers plenty of exciting things to do, you’ll also have the opportunity to get to know the close-knit and growing community. You can join corps members, alumni, and school and business leaders at community dinners where people often build lasting friendships, or take part in live and virtual education town halls where challenging topics are discussed and resolved. Living in Las Vegas truly means having the best of both worlds—the amenities of a world-class city and the comforts and camaraderie of a small town.

Las Vegas is part of the beautiful Mojave Desert, which offers stunning landscapes and views. Spend time hiking mountains, including Red Rock Canyon and Mount Charleston, or horseback riding, snowboarding, and mountain biking. At the same time, Las Vegas remains a destination for people from around the world because of the fantastic restaurants, live shows, and entertainment.

A scene of a desert with red mountains in the distance.

Getting Certified to Teach

TFA Nevada has a mandatory certification pathway with University of Nevada Las Vegas (1-1.5 years) and the option to pursue a Masters degree.

Total certification costs $12,000. Up-front certification costs include:

  • Degree-conferred transcript (2 copies): $0 - $75
  • UNLV Application Fee: $60
  • Background Check: $60
  • License Application Fee: $180

Local Leadership

Sean Parker

Sean Parker

Bay Area '09

Executive Director

Teach For America Las Vegas & Reno

Sean Parker has served as Teach For America Las Vegas’ Executive Director since 2015. He lives and works in Downtown Las Vegas. His life’s work is to improve Las Vegas' education system to serve as an example of educational excellence for our country. Sean believes that a quality education unlocks doors of opportunity for individuals and for the economic wellbeing of our state.

Get in Touch

Questions about Teach For America Las Vegas?
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Thank you for reimagining learning, expanding opportunities, and inspiring systemic change. Our kids are counting on us.