Originally posted: Aug. 18, 2026
By: COE Communications Staff
Nevada Forward™ Apprentices Honored for Excellence in Education
When timelines are compressed, quality suffers. Or so we thought.
Two future educators are challenging that long-held belief, taking a compressed approach through apprenticeship and licensure. Rashael Golgart and Sparkiel Haley’s choice to pursue teaching careers through an apprenticeship approach is paying off.
Not only are they well on their way to their own classrooms, the Nevada State Labor Commission recognized their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to Nevada students with outstanding teacher apprentice awards this year.
Rashael, from Washoe County, and Sparkiel, from Clark County, represent opposite ends of the state but are united through their remarkable achievements both inside and outside the classroom.
The awards recognize apprentices who demonstrate excellence in on-the-job training, strong academic performance, professionalism, leadership, and a deep commitment to long-term growth in the education profession. Honorees are also recognized for their positive impact on their schools, peers, and communities.
Across the state, the Nevada Forward™ Teacher Apprenticeship Programs are helping shape the future of education by empowering aspiring educators to learn, lead, and serve in the communities that need them most.
“These teacher apprentices are not only building careers, they are building stronger classrooms, brighter futures, and lasting opportunities for generations of Nevada students,” said Toni Giddens, the Nevada Department of Labor’s apprenticeship director. “This year’s recipients are outstanding examples of the dedication and commitment required in accelerated apprenticeships.”
A Passion for Early Childhood Education
Rashael Golgart currently serves as a kindergarten teaching assistant with the Washoe County School District, supporting several classrooms. Before stepping into her current role, she worked as a paraprofessional in early childhood special education, where she developed her strengths in advocating for young learners and their families.
Known for her preparation, curiosity, and reflective approach to teaching, Golgart has earned a 3.9 GPA while balancing the demands of both coursework and classroom experience. Faculty and colleagues describe her as hardworking, compassionate, and deeply committed to student success.
Like many students entering an accelerated program, Rashael knew the pace would be demanding. She quickly discovered that the compressed timeline became one of its greatest strengths.
“The accelerated pace definitely kept me busy, but it also helped me stay engaged,” she said. “There wasn’t time to procrastinate because assignments came one after another. At times it felt overwhelming, especially while balancing work and my personal life, but it taught me how to manage my time and stay organized.”
Instead of becoming discouraged by the pace, Rashael found motivation in the program’s momentum.
“Since each class moved quickly, I was always working toward the next goal instead of feeling like I had months before something was due,” she said. “Finishing one course and immediately starting another gave me a sense of momentum and made graduation feel achievable.”
The experience also changed the way she viewed herself.
“I learned that I’m much more capable than I give myself credit for. There were times when I questioned whether I could keep up, but I continued to push through and proved to myself that I could handle challenging coursework while working toward my goal of becoming a teacher,” she said.
She credits the program’s blend of coursework and hands-on classroom experience with helping her connect theory to practice, allowing her passion for teaching to grow with every course and every day in the classroom.
Whether she is asking thoughtful questions in class, seeking feedback to improve her practice, or building strong relationships with students and families, Rashael consistently demonstrates the qualities of an outstanding educator.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
For Sparkiel Haley, this year’s recognition carries an especially powerful story of perseverance.
Serving as an aide in the Clark County School District, Haley has continued to excel academically and professionally while navigating a cancer diagnosis and intensive treatment schedule that began earlier this year. Despite the physical and emotional challenges, she has remained steadfast in her commitment to becoming an educator through an accelerated program.
“At first, I was a little nervous about the accelerated pace, but I quickly grew to appreciate it because it kept me busy and focused,” she said. “There was always something to read, research, or prepare for, which helped me stay engaged throughout the program.”
That focused mindset became even more important as she balanced coursework, student teaching, work, and cancer treatments.
“The shorter timeline definitely helped me stay focused and motivated. I had to stay on my toes because there was no room for error. Knowing that every assignment and deadline mattered pushed me to stay organized, manage my time effectively, and give my best effort every day.”
Even amid ongoing treatments, she has continued to achieve a stellar 3.9 GPA while actively participating in support workshops and pursuing every opportunity to strengthen her teaching skills. She coordinated medical appointments around student teaching, worked closely with her professors and program support staff, and never lost sight of her goal.
“I knew I wanted to finish because this was an incredible opportunity that I had worked hard to earn,” she said.
Program leaders describe Haley as the embodiment of resilience and professionalism — someone who continually exceeds expectations while inspiring peers, instructors, and the broader educational community with her determination and positivity.
Redefining Success
Together, Rashael and Sparkiel represent the heart of Nevada’s growing teacher apprenticeship movement: aspiring educators whose dedication, compassion, and perseverance are helping build a stronger future for students across the state.
Their stories demonstrate that accelerated pathways do not ask future teachers to sacrifice quality for speed. Instead, they reward focus, resilience, and commitment to continuous growth — qualities that will serve them long after graduation and into classrooms across Nevada. Their stories are proof that accelerated pathways don’t simply prepare future teachers more quickly, they prepare educators who are ready to meet challenges head-on and inspire the next generation of Nevada students.
