Departments

Alumni Spotlight: Kristen Bjork ’09 ’14

July 22, 2026

Originally posted: Jun. 28, 2024

By: COE Communications Staff

Name: Kristen Bjork

Degrees: Class of 2009 M.S. Education Psychology, Class of 2014 Ph.D. School Psychology

Current Role: School Psychologist at the Osceola County School District in Florida

Why did you choose UNLV? What led you to pursue your degree in education?

Born and raised in Florida, I decided to move to Las Vegas after graduating from the University of Florida. I started in the Ed.S. program initially and felt that UNLV was a good fit for me. I later switched to the Educational Psychology Ph.D. Program because I really enjoy working in a teaching environment.

What is your current position, and how did UNLV prepare you for your career?

I currently work as a School Psychologist for the Osceola County School District and remotely for other school districts across the country. My professors really helped me improve my skills since they had real-world experiences that they could share.

Proud moment at UNLV or something you accomplished?

My proudest moment was completing my dissertation. It required a lot of time and patience, plus the topic was something I’m passionate about. The topic was about how anxiety influences student performance, such as processing speed or fluency with academic tasks.

What advice would you give to current students at UNLV?

Make sure you’re going for something you’re very passionate about. Stress and life challenges may occur, but remember why you are pursuing this degree.

Are you a COE alum? Let us know what you’ve got going on by submitting a Class Note or getting involved!

Alumni Spotlight: Kirk Huber ’18 ’21

July 22, 2026

Originally posted: Jul. 12, 2024

By: COE Communications Staff

Name: Kirk Huber

Degrees: Class of 2018 M.Ed. Special Education, Class of 2021 M.Ed. English Language Learning

Current Role: Educator with Clark County School District

Why did you choose UNLV? What led you to pursue a degree in education?

I decided to move to Las Vegas for some sun after dealing with the harsh winters in my hometown of Chicago. My first job back was a substitute teacher position, and I really enjoyed the profession. So, I decided to enroll at UNLV for my master’s since it was nearby. I first went for a master’s in Special Education because I enjoy working with students with intellectual disability. After completing that degree, I returned to pursue a second master’s in English Language Learning.

How did your experience at UNLV help you find your first position after graduation?

It allowed me to receive endorsements and license requirements needed to teach fully. It also gave me the opportunity to reach a larger audience of students for whom I could advocate.

What is your most prideful moment at UNLV?

Coming from a blue-collar background, I would have never thought I would receive a master’s degree. I also have the privilege of helping adult students with their studies, especially here at UNLV with Project F.O.C.U.S.

What advice would you give to current students at UNLV?

Don’t get bogged down in the stress of all things going on. Take things one at a time!

Are you a COE alum? Let us know what you’ve got going on by submitting a Class Note or getting involved!

Alumni Spotlight: Abby Hasberry ‘13

July 22, 2026

Originally posted: Aug. 16, 2024

By: COE Communications Staff

Name: Abby Hasberry

Degree: Class of 2013 Ph.D. Curriculum and Instruction

Current Role: Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Associate at Counseling at The Green House and Founder/CEO of D.E.A.R. Abby Consulting

Why did you choose UNLV? What led you to pursue a degree in the Education field?

I chose UNLV because my husband is stationed here in Las Vegas. Growing up as an African American student in a predominantly White private school drove my interest in education.

What is your current role, and how did UNLV prepare you for your career?

I’m a therapist and coach people around the country who are opening educational organizations. UNLV has given me the strength to motivate and impact others. The coursework was challenging, but it gave me great experience helping build school curricula.

Any advice to current students at UNLV?

Find a mentor and surround yourself with people who can develop you as a leader. Push yourself beyond your comfort zone and let professors get to know you.

Are you a COE alum? Let us know what you’ve got going on by submitting a Class Note or getting involved!

Getting into the Rebel Rhythm

July 22, 2026

Originally posted: Aug. 16, 2024

By: COE Communications Staff

Alejandro Zamaro and Julia Quirim had nothing big planned for their summers. Rather than sitting around in the Las Vegas heat, the rising Bonanza High School seniors found a better (and cooler) use of their time. Knowing that college application season was right around the corner, they didn’t hesitate to get ahead with the help of UNLV’s Youth Rebel Start Academy (YRSA).

More than Summer School

YRSA summer sessions in partnership with Bonanza’s Advanced Placement (AP) Summer Seminar offered eager students the chance to participate in a unique dual-enrollment program. Designed to prepare students for college and workforce readiness, the three-week intensive program encourages students to take charge of their academic achievement, explore career possibilities, and develop transferable skills.

Leaning into the desire to cultivate student leadership, the Summer Seminar at Bonanza is uniquely free of traditional rules like tardies and the dreaded bell schedule. “I think the biggest goal is to get students to be intrinsically motivated, hold themselves accountable, and set high expectations for themselves.” says Dan Bressler, program lead and teacher focusing on the philosophy component of the seminar. Joined by fellow educators Derrick Minor, Andrew Sherer, Sarah Truster, and Douglas Slothower, their team brought dynamic lessons on music, history, art and literature to life for their students.

From finding one’s voice to becoming a student leader

Personal growth is a hallmark of the bridge program between Bonanza and YRSA. Julia was a quiet student who used the opportunity to find her voice. “The thought of taking courses over the summer might sound daunting and it’s going to take a lot of perseverance, but in the end, you gain something so much greater than you originally started with.” Teachers watched as she quickly evolved into a student leader in her groups and presentations. She became someone her peers turned to when they wanted to do exemplary work.

Bonanza teachers Carson Richards facilitated CED 117: Interpersonal Skills in Human Relationships while Anne Twomey led LDE 201: Introduction to Leadership courses. Not only were students provided with a taste of college-level academics but they were also offered valuable insights into personal development and leadership. Alejandro and Julia found themselves immersed in discussions that pushed them to think critically about their futures. Lessons went beyond traditional academics, offering a chance to explore self-awareness, financial responsibility, and students’ roles in the world around them.

For Alejandro, CED 117 was eye-opening. The course emphasized self-care, recognizing personal biases, and building meaningful relationships—topics that weren’t just theoretical but relevant to everyday life. “It gave me a real idea of what to expect in college,” Alejandro shared. “The lessons have influenced my career choices, making me more mindful of the financial implications of my decisions and lifestyle aspirations which have helped me set realistic goals,” he added.

Julia found the self-directed learning environment to be a breath of fresh air. “Rebel Start has helped me explore different post-secondary careers through the independence given to us from our teachers,” she explained. The skills she developed have given her a renewed sense of confidence and ways to express herself. “My highlight was a project where I had to shoot a video that represented my identity because it gave me the opportunity to take the time to learn something new about myself,” she reflected.

A summer well spent

The dedication of the educators at Bonanza to facilitate courses not typically available to their highschoolers over the summer have made preparation for college level courses and rigor approachable. “I just felt free in the learning environment.” Alejandro remarked. “I had the chance to confidently express my knowledge, pair and share with others, and be creative in my responses to lesson prompts.”

All in all, it was a summer well spent for everyone involved at Bonanza and all other participating high school campuses across the valley, including Chaparral, Desert Pines, Valley and Western High School. As the College of Education remains committed to engaging students beyond the traditional classroom, the Youth Rebel Start Academy will continue to be a launchpad for success.

Why COE: Sahara Chatterpaul-Taylor’s Plan for Freshman Year

July 22, 2026

Originally posted: Aug. 19, 2024

By: Kia Cummings

Meet Sahara Chatterpaul-Taylor, an accomplished graduate of Foothill High School, community leader and the newest addition to the College of Education community. For Sahara, school has always been more than just a place to learn—it’s been a safe haven. When her home life felt unstable, she found refuge within the walls of her classrooms. Now, as she prepares for her freshman year, Sahara is determined to create that same safe space for her future students.

It wasn’t until her family moved from Philadelphia to Henderson that she first felt the calling to become an English teacher. “In middle school my teachers became people I trusted and enjoyed spending time with. I want to share that with the younger generation.” Sahara recalls. Her eighth-grade Burkholder Middle School English teacher, John Moody, played a pivotal role in solidifying her career choice. Sahara remembered, “He made me realize I could see myself doing what he did. He seemed so happy with his job, and I thought, ‘I want to feel that way, too.’”

A Match Made in Nevada

So when the time came to apply to programs she set her sights on the college’s Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education. More than anything Sahara wants to be an advocate for her future students, particularly those in Title I and low-income schools like hers. “I want to be that support system for kids who need it and the teacher they remember and say, ‘Ms. Chatterpaul really encouraged me to pursue my dreams.’” The college’s drive to equip teachers to stay and teach in underserved schools across the state made it a perfect match.

Her high school years were filled with leadership roles that have prepared her for this next chapter. As the historian for her school’s Black Student Union (BSU), editor-in-chief of the yearbook, and Nevada Youth Empowerment fellow, Sahara has learned valuable skills that she plans to carry into her college and professional experiences. “Being in those roles taught me a lot about resilience and teamwork,” she reflects. “In the BSU, we faced backlash and scrutiny, but I learned how to challenge that behavior instead of just accepting it.”

First-Year Checklist

As she embarks on her first year at UNLV, Sahara has set her sights on making connections and finding her place within the college community. “I used to have so many goals for my freshman year, but I realized I’ve never been in college before, so I want to keep things simple,” she admits. “College is supposed to be where you meet your bridesmaids and the people who will be in your life forever, so my biggest goal is to make connections.” Apart from meeting new people, Sahara hopes to visit new places through a study abroad program.

With her passion for education, her determination to make a difference, and her love for connecting with others, there’s no doubt that Sahara’s first year will be one full of excitement. As she takes another step forward to becoming an educator in the fall, she’s on track to inspire the next generation of students, just as her teachers once inspired her.

UNLV/CSUN Preschool Teacher Named 2022 Early Educator of the Year

July 22, 2026

Originally posted: Aug. 22, 2022

By: Nancy Weaver

Earlier this morning, the Nevada Department of Education (NDE) named Carl Esteban as the Early Childhood Educator of the Year. Best known as “Mr. Carl,” Esteban is a pre-kindergarten teacher at the UNLV/CSUN Preschool at the Lynn Bennett Early Childhood Education Center, a five-star NAEYC accredited preschool.

Mr. Carl earned a bachelor of science degree in early childhood education at UNLV’s College of Education in 2019 and is currently working on a master’s degree in special education. He began working at the preschool in 2017 as a student worker, moving quickly into roles as a teacher’s assistant and substitute teacher. He has led his own inclusive early childhood education classroom with 3-5-year-old children since 2019.

He received a surprise visit from Mia Pace from the NDE’s Office of Early Learning and Development and UNLV President Keith Whitfield today to notify him and celebrate his award. He received a $500 check from NDE along with a gift bag presented by Scott Jones from Lakeshore Learning. UNLV/CSUN Preschool Director Claire Tredwell also unveiled a plaque that will hang in the preschool to commemorate his achievement. In addition to these awards, Mr. Carl will serve as an early childhood education ambassador in Nevada and thought leader throughout the 2022-23 school year.

Mr. Carl was selected for recognition due to his relentless enthusiasm for creating a learning environment that is safe, welcoming, and enriched with cultural and developmentally appropriate material. As an advocate for inclusion, Mr. Carl prioritizes working in a welcoming environment and practices simple and effective methods to foster a positive learning experience for his students and their families.
“I never thought I would be a pre-kindergarten head teacher,” he said. “But not just that, a male pre-kindergarten teacher of color with his eyes laser-focused on making a positive impact on all those who enter my Sea Turtle classroom and ultimately, within the field of early childhood education.”

The Early Childhood Educator of the Year award was spearheaded by the NDE Office of Early Learning and Development. Now in its second year, the award honors early childhood teachers and recognizes their efforts in providing quality education to the state’s youngest learners as well as partnering with their families.

“It’s the simple, yet meaningful moments that really stand out to you where you tell yourself this is why I do what I do,” said Mr. Carl. I want young children to know that they should never put limits on themselves. Be different. Be daring. Be diverse.”

“Carl Esteban is a talented educator who brings incredible spirit into his classroom every day, and he epitomizes why UNLV’s preschool is among the best in the region,” said UNLV President Keith E. Whitfield. “Carl sees and respects each person’s individuality, celebrates their strengths, and helps them overcome challenges. He’s making a positive impression on our youngest learners that they’ll carry with them throughout their educational journey – a journey we hope brings them back to UNLV as college students one day.”

About the UNLV/CSUN Preschool
The UNLV/CSUN Preschool is a model-inclusive early childhood program that serves children (6 weeks to 5 years of age) of students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding campus community on a year-round schedule. The preschool recognizes the diverse needs, interests, and cultures in a setting where each child is valued and respected as a unique individual developing at his/her rate as well as the necessity of a cooperative team of professionals to help guide their development.

About the Lynn Bennett Early Childhood Education Center
A primary goal of the Lynn Bennett Early Childhood Educator Center is to support research conducted by UNLV faculty and their students. The preschool collaborates with faculty and students in related fields of study to promote knowledge and developmental issues and practices related to child “educare,” early learning, and the practical application of this knowledge.

Mentors Connect with Students for STEAM Success

July 22, 2026

Originally posted: Aug. 31, 2022

By: COE Communications Staff

Mentors Connect with Students for STEAM Success

While the summer months are earmarked for relaxing vacations, Dr. Shaoan Zhang from the College of Education and Dr. Mei Yang from the College of Engineering spend their summers building bridges.

These were no ordinary bridges, though. These bridges connect educators and middle school girls who have aspirations to work in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) at the Engaging Girls in Ubiquitous Intelligence and Computing (GUIC) summer program.

Mentorship Matters

In addition to encouraging young women to pursue STEAM careers, the program is a testing and training ground for mentors and educators, helping them build skills to inspire their students in their classrooms in the next academic year.

While the teaching profession is female-dominated, careers in STEAM fields are predominantly held by men. This is a puzzling outcome as Dr. Yang and Dr. Zhang recognize the importance of female students seeing themselves represented during early introductions to the field and its various disciplines. Female students are aware of some of the outstanding contributions by women scientists and engineers and, from a young age, aspire to these careers. However, their interest tends to wane over time, especially as the complexity of science and math curricula increases. Drs. Yang and Zhang are identifying ways to support and encourage these students and are helping teachers learn how to nurture their curiosity through leader-centric preparation.

Embracing Diversity, Self Identification and Hands-on Learning

Education and engineering students, pre-service teachers and current educators who serve as mentors have been instrumental to the program’s success and positive student outcomes. “Most of our mentors are female and some of them are underrepresented minorities,” shares Dr. Yang. The selection of diverse mentors is intentional and enhances both collaboration and confidence amongst the students.

Before working with their mentees, the mentors go through a variety of workshops focused on leadership development, content concepts, and delivery as well as improved best practices for teaching in informal learning settings like the GUIC summer camp. During the program each mentor is then assigned to a group of up to 10 students and leads them through the various hands-on projects. It all came together in the last week when teams presented their final projects, which included a line and color tracking robot programmed to navigate mazes. Students defend their work and present real world applications for the technology and programs they worked on.

Beyond Camp

The lessons and inspiration extend well past the program’s scheduled end each summer. Student mentees are excited to return to school and have increased confidence in taking math and science courses that lead to a future in STEM. In addition to earning professional development credits, the mentors finish the summer with new approaches to science and engineering content for their classrooms.

Alumni Spotlight: Vince Bognot ‘17 ‘23

July 22, 2026

Originally posted: Aug. 2, 2024

By: COE Communications Staff

Name: Vince Bognot

Degrees: Class of 2017 B.S.Ed. Secondary Education (Social Science), Class of 2023 M.Ed. Educational Policy & Leadership

Current Role: Assistant Principal at Greenspun Junior High School

Why did you choose UNLV? What led you to pursue a degree in the Education field?

UNLV has been part of my family since I was a kid. Two of my siblings are UNLV Alumni, and they always talked about being a Rebel. When it came to choosing which university, my siblings tried to convince me to become a Rebel, but it wasn’t until I met with an advisor that I found that UNLV was a perfect fit for me. I chose to major in education because of my two part-time jobs, which involved teaching and helping others.

What is your current role, and how did UNLV prepare you for your career?

I’m currently the Assistant Principal at Greenspun Junior High School. UNLV taught me to build relationships with my students rather than teach the curriculum. But as well, if it weren’t for UNLV challenging me to do more, it wouldn’t have sparked my interest in heading down the administrator path.

Any advice to current students at UNLV?

Soak it all in since time really flies when you’re in school, but slow yourself down at the moment and ask clarifying questions.

Are you a COE alum? Let us know what you’ve got going on by submitting a Class Note or getting involved!

Crossing the Finish Line: Leif Caesar’s Approach Boosts Student-Athlete Success

July 22, 2026

Originally posted: Aug. 9, 2023

By: Kia Cummings

Endurance running is not for the faint of heart, and neither is pursuing a career in NCAA collegiate athletics, but Leif Caesar embraces challenges time and time again. With a reverence for the spirit of college athletics and a passion for long-distance running, his drive and focus inspire the student-athletes he serves as a new full-time assistant director of compliance for the university.

Hailing from the edge of the Chicago suburbs, Caesar was always involved in sports. It didn’t occur to him that he could make a career out of it, but a move to California at the age of 14 started him on a journey that would shape his future in college athletics.

Program connecting Nevada students to I.T. careers receives funding for second year

July 22, 2026

Originally posted: Aug. 9, 2024

By: COE Communications Staff

A UNLV program that connects Nevada students to careers in information technology has received a new round of funding to support a second cohort of students.

Tech Ready Rebels is a yearlong program that gives Nevada high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to develop skills in information technology, computer science, and cybersecurity.

MGM Resorts International recently donated $120,000 towards the program’s operations for a second year. The program is a continuation of the IT Workforce Talent Pipeline Project and originally funded through the Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation and Technology (OSIT).

Dr. Xue Xing, the project’s lead and an associate professor of career-technical and postsecondary education at UNLV’s College of Education, called the program the first and most inclusive workforce talent pipeline program in the state, with dual enrollment components for students who come from diverse backgrounds.

“The purpose of our program is threefold: cultivate skilled professionals to tackle Nevada’s substantial shortage of IT labor; equip individuals with sought-after competencies, filling the skills gap in tech firms; and establish a pathway for underrepresented minority and female (UMF) students, thereby combating IT stereotypes and fostering diversity and accessibility within the IT workforce,” Dr. Xing said.

In addition to providing students with networking opportunities with future employers in the IT field, the program also teaches them skills around seeking and securing employment. Students in last year’s cohort were able to attend networking events hosted by the Governor’s Office and tour sites like the International Innovation Center in downtown Las Vegas to meet and network with industry professionals.

Enrolled students can end up with six college credits, one high school elective credit and one industry credential of a student’s choice needed to be successful at obtaining a job or advancing their education.

Administrative support for the program will be administered by the National Institute for the Advancement of Education, a research institute housed at UNLV.

Students must be a junior or senior in any Nevada high school, have enrolled in the Information Technology Career Cluster or taken at least one IT-related coursework, and have a 2.0 unweighted grade point average (GPA) or higher to be eligible.

Applications for the second round of the program are open through Aug. 22. Students who are selected for the program will attend an orientation on Saturday, Sept. 2.

Interested and eligible students can click here to apply online.

Several virtual information sessions will also be held for interested students:

1-2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 10.
1-2 p.m. and 4-5 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 15.
2-3 p.m. and 6-7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 20.

Interested students and families can follow the link to attend any of the virtual information sessions.

The content of this article is produced in collaboration with the faculty, research, practitioner and community partners featured herein, and the National Institute for the Advancement of Education (NIAE), an interdisciplinary institute housed at the University Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) College of Education that engages in interdisciplinary research-practice-policy efforts that transform PK-20 education through innovation, excellence, evidence, and equity.

For more information about NIAE, visit niae.sites.unlv.edu.