Clark County School District is in a tough spot; there just aren’t enough special education teachers to go around. When the 2025 school year began, 163 special education positions were vacant. That left a lot of kids with disabilities without the support they count on. So, CCSD turned to UNLV, and together they kicked off the Nevada Collaborative for Autism and the STAR Endorsement program.
Addressing the Special Education Teacher Shortage in Clark County
Instead of just scrambling to fill open positions, CCSD is helping its current teachers level up. The district offers real, evidence-based training for working with students with disabilities, especially autism. Any teacher already licensed in elementary, secondary, or special ed can jump in and learn how to support neurodivergent kids in regular classrooms.
Empowering Teachers Through the Nevada Collaborative for Autism
Professor Joseph Morgan from UNLV doesn’t just want teachers to learn a list of techniques; he wants them to really “get” their students. In his words, a great teacher can knock down barriers, open doors, and help kids with disabilities hit their goals, just like any other child. The program isn’t only about tips and tricks. It’s about empathy and awareness. Teachers finish the course not just with new skills, but with a better sense of what their students actually need.
You can already see the changes happening. Dr. Katherine Haberstroh, a teacher with over a decade of experience, went through the first round of endorsements.
Teaching special ed runs in her family; her mom did it, too, so this work hits close to home. After the program, she picked up strategies that made a big difference in her classroom. She’s proof that the right training lifts up everyone, teachers and students alike.
Since launching, more than 100 teachers have moved into autism and STAR classrooms, and the number of empty spots has dropped from 163 to about 140. Forty of those teachers now work directly with kids on the autism spectrum. So, it’s not just about plugging holes in a schedule. It’s about giving every student the kind of attention and support they deserve. The third group of teachers is set to start next spring, which means there will be even more opportunities.
More Teachers, More Support for Las Vegas Students
This partnership shows that fixing teacher shortages takes more than just hiring whoever’s available. It’s about building a team of confident, skilled, and caring educators. When teachers really understand their students, their struggles, and their strengths, classrooms turn into places where everyone has a chance to grow.
For families, students, and teachers in Clark County, the Nevada Collaborative for Autism and the STAR Endorsement program feels like real progress. By giving teachers the tools they actually need, CCSD and UNLV are making sure every kid gets a fair shot at a solid education and a real chance to shine.
Here at the Nevada Autism Center, our team strives to empower autistic youth to help them seek independence, autonomy, and success through the use of ABA therapy treatment. Our center focuses on personalizing every child’s experience so that they can feel comfortable enough to grow and thrive.
If you’re interested in learning more about our programs and services, then give our office a call now at (702) 660-2005. You can also start the enrollment process by filling out our online form.
