The Nevada Department of Education honored Laura Jeanne Penrod as the 2024 State Teacher of the Year on Sept 19, 2023.
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo, Nevada Superintendent of Public instruction Jhone Ebert and Clark County School District Superintendent Dr. Jesus F. Jara were all on hand to surprise the Southwest Career and Technical Academy teacher with the award.
Throughout her 17 year teaching career, Penrod has worked as an English teacher as well as in Special Education. She has also served as an advisor for several school clubs and worked as an advocate for public education at the county and state level.
As the 2024 Nevada Teacher of the Year, Penrod will represent the Silver State in the National Teacher of the Year competition, hoping to join 2021 Nevada Teacher of the Year Juliana Urtubey to become the second CCSD alum to earn the nation’s top award.
