Two students sitting at a desk while a professor is walking around the classroom

Department of Teaching and Learning News

We are focused on educational research and the preparation of educators at all levels. In addition to our bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs, our professional education programs focus on essential knowledge, established and current research findings, and sound professional practice.

Current Teaching and Learning News

closeup of hand touching herbs growing in hydroponic system
Campus News |

51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, UNR Extension collaboration cultivates an early interest in science and engineering.

Kenneth Varner in red shirt and arms crossed while standing outside
People |

Kenny Varner, the 2025 Faculty/Staff Community Outreach Award winner, tackles the state's critical teacher shortage through the Nevada Forward Initiative.

black and white photo of Herbert Derfelt
51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ History |

51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ’s origin story traces back to one vote by one man, Herb Derfelt. And his legacy continues through generations of family members who followed in his educator footsteps.

Pate Thomas holds a photo of his great-grandfather Herbert Derfelt
51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ History |

Pate Thomas initially had no desire to add his name to the long list of family members who became Rebels and then educators. Now? He’s a proud alum, a difference-making educator, and the boss of a brand-new high school.

51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ students walking on campus
Research |

The College of Education's National Institute for the Advancement of Education awarded four faculty research grants that will explore potential solutions for retaining Nevada's teachers.

close up of woman sitting on bench near railing
People |

When not dreaming of travel or watching baseball, this administrative assistant efficiently manages the Department of Teaching and Learning.

Teaching and Learning In The News

KLAS-TV: 8 News Now

Michael Bottachelli, known as Mr. Bee, is transforming history education at Doral Academy Red Rock High School by using TikTok and rap to engage students.

KLAS-TV: 8 News Now

Social media is offering educators new ways to engage students. But whether it's effective, depends on who you ask.

TODOS Mathematics For All Podcast

What happens when three Asian American women math educators come together to reflect on their journeys, activism, and the role of mathematics in justice? In this powerful episode, Dr. Kari Kokka—math educator, social justice advocate, and former high school teacher—joins hosts Shari Kaku and Michelle Lo for an inspiring conversation about searching for our own stories, math identity, and community organizing.

Las Vegas Sun

A national teachers union leader came to 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ this week to learn more about how the university is answering the call to get more educators in classrooms through less-traditional routes.

New India Abroad

Drowsy driving among college students and young drivers in America is a public health challenge that critically impacts road safety drives with the rising number of accidents involving the youth and new drivers, according to a new study published by the public health experts of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ).

KTNV-TV: ABC 13

Three months after a shooter opened fire on the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ campus — terrorizing students, staff and faculty members — the campus seemed normal Tuesday. The weather was picture perfect, birds were chirping and students moved about the campus walkways just outside the Student Union.

Teaching and Learning Experts

An expert in educational equity and race theory in education.
An expert in educational technology and self-regulated learning.
An expert on STEM education.
An expert in language and literacy practices, critical race theory, and culturally relevant pedagogy.
An expert on teacher preparation and diversity in classrooms.
An expert in mathematics and integrated STEM education.

Recent Teaching and Learning Accomplishments

Howard R. D. Gordon (Teaching and Learning Emeritus) gave a presentation on "Integrating Agriculture and Family and Consumers Sciences Programs through STEM: Suggestions for Career and Technical Education Educators" at the 2025 Agriculture and STEM Workshop at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
Marla Goins (Teaching and Learning), a researcher who studies intersectional educational experiences and practices, recently published an article co-authored with Maria Aline Soares, a teacher-activist based in Brazil. The article is titled, "'A Window Can Also Be a Mirror': Cultivating Two-Way Mirrors for Solidarity." It is published in Bookbird…
Asma Awan, Timothy Grigsby, and  Christopher Johansen, (all Social and Behavioral Health), Chia-Liang Dai (Teaching and Learning), and Manoj Sharma (Social and Behavioral Health and Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine) presented a poster titled, "Explaining the Correlates of the Multi-Theory Model (MTM) of Health Behavior Change in Visual…
Cameron Coleman (Teaching and Learning) was asked to serve as a Founding Board Member for Citizens of the World Charter Schools - Las Vegas.
Kari Kokka (Teaching and Learning) gave the Distinguished Lecture for the Cal Poly Pomona Math and Stats Colloquium on April 30, 2025. 
Xue (Cher) Xing (Teaching and Learning), associate professor and program coordinator of Career-Technical & Postsecondary Education at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, received the Association for Career and Technical Education Region V Teacher Educator of the Year award. This award honors teacher educators who demonstrate a commitment to preparing high-quality…