Bill would alleviate Nev. teacher shortage
By Ana Ley, Las Vegas Sun
A bill that would make it easier for some immigrants to teach in Nevada’s classrooms is gaining momentum in the Legislature because it would help alleviate the state’s crippling teacher shortage.
Assembly Bill 27, which has broad support and cleared its first legislative hurdle on Wednesday, has special significance for the state’s immigrant community. The bill’s success would be a small victory for advocates who are reeling from a blow dealt by a court decision this week that temporarily halted a federal program that would have spared tens of thousands from deportation in Nevada.
AB27 would benefit people who have work permits through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which grants deportation relief to undocumented immigrants who entered the United States as children.
Existing law lets the state superintendent give teaching licenses to those who aren’t citizens but have work permits only if there’s a teacher shortage for the subject that person can teach. Otherwise, only U.S. citizens and legal residents can apply.