NORTH LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — A program at Canyon Springs High School is recruiting current students to become the next generation of Nevada educators, offering college credits, scholarships, work experience and a dedicated career coach in exchange for a commitment to teach in the city of North Las Vegas within the Clark County School District.
The Homegrown Teachers Initiative is a partnership between the Nevada Association of School Administrators and the city of North Las Vegas. Students enrolled in the program receive 39 college credits while still in high school.
Students earn college credits, work experience
Angelise Sanchez, a student enrolled in the program, said the credits put graduates ahead before they reach a university.
“We are set, most of us are set to already graduate with an associate’s,” Sanchez said.
Students also gain hands-on classroom experience through placements at nearby elementary schools.
“We go to tutor at a nearby elementary school and help out the teachers and the children there,” said Reuben Bada, another enrolled student.
Program requires commitment to teach locally
Participation comes with a condition. Students must agree to remain in North Las Vegas and work within Clark County School District schools after completing their education.
“They will continue to teach and work in the city of North Las Vegas, within the Clark County School District schools,” said Dr. Jeffrey Geihs, CEO of the Silver State Education Foundation.
Geihs said the local commitment is central to the program’s design, noting that teachers recruited from outside the area often leave when other opportunities arise.
Retention rate outpaces state average
Nevada ranked 48th nationally in education in 2025. According to national data, 50% of teachers leave Nevada within their first five years. The city of North Las Vegas historically recorded the largest percentage of teacher vacancies in the state.
The Homegrown Teachers Initiative cited national data that reports a 70% retention rate among homegrown educators.
Students say they are ready
Braelin Russell said she has wanted to be a teacher since elementary school and described the program as a turning point.
“I’m so close to actually taking a step forward into becoming a teacher, and it’s not so much of a dream anymore,” Russell said.
Angelise Sanchez said the need for new educators is nationwide, but the impact locally resonates with her personally.
“I believe we need this in this world. We need new generations to become teachers,” Sanchez said.
Southern Nevada has seen a decrease in teacher vacancy numbers in recent years. The Homegrown Teachers Initiative is currently only available at Canyon Springs High School.
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