For students at Rancho High School, the journey to becoming a teacher starts long before college. As part of the Teacher Academy College Pathway Program (TACPP), students gain hands-on classroom experience, mentorship, and college credit—all while still in high school.
This initiative, created by the Nevada Legislature and supported by the Nevada Department of Education, is designed to address the state’s teacher shortage by creating a clear, structured pathway into the profession. With over 300 students enrolled, Rancho’s program is preparing the next generation of educators for CCSD classrooms.
Hands-On Experience in the Classroom
One of the hallmarks of TACPP is its internship component, which places Rancho High School students in real classrooms at C.C. Ronnow Elementary School twice a week. This immersive learning experience allows aspiring educators to gain firsthand exposure to lesson planning, classroom management, and student engagement.
Senior Arlene Ramirez, a participant in the program, shared how TACPP has transformed her career outlook:
“It gave me hands-on experience, boosting my confidence and readiness to step into a real classroom and begin my career”
Through real-world teaching experiences, TACPP students build leadership skills, gain confidence, and develop a passion for education, making them better prepared for the profession.
The Benefits of TACPP at Rancho High School
Beyond experience, students in the Teacher Academy College Pathway Program (TACPP) receive several financial and career advantages:
- 🎓 Dual Enrollment – Earn up to 12 college credits, giving students a head start on their teaching degrees.
- 💰 Tuition Reimbursement – Thanks to Nevada’s AB428 program, students who complete TACPP, attend college in Nevada, and return to teach in CCSD for at least two years are eligible for tuition reimbursement.
- 🚀 Guaranteed Employment – After earning their teaching credentials, TACPP graduates have a direct pathway to employment in Nevada schools.
According to Rachel Ruttan, Rancho’s TACPP Coordinator, the program is playing a crucial role in CCSD’s efforts to recruit and retain high-quality educators:
“The program plays a crucial role within CCSD, helping fill teacher and support staff vacancies with well-prepared individuals who are ready to positively impact the next generation of learners.”
For many students, TACPP removes financial barriers and provides a clear, guided journey from high school to college to the classroom—making the dream of becoming a teacher more accessible than ever.
Investing in the Future of Education
Principal Shelley Cruz-Crawford of C.C. Ronnow Elementary School highlighted the program’s long-term impact:
“We know apprenticeship models work and when our students get to see what this job looks like, it inspires them to become Educators. “
Programs like TACPP are more than just career pathways—they are a strategic solution to the teacher shortage and an investment in the future of education. With mentorship, financial support, and real-world training, CCSD is empowering students like Aaliyah Lopez and Arlene Ramirez to step into rewarding careers in education.
📺 See TACPP in action! Watch the Vegas PBS Student Spotlight feature showcasing how Rancho High School is preparing tomorrow’s teachers today.
🔗 Watch the Full Video Here
🚀 Interested in the Teacher Academy College Pathway Program? Learn more at tacpp.ccsd.net!
