A law requiring educators to take a course on Parental Involvement at their own expense is forcing teachers to leave the classroom if they cannot afford the bill. Education is widely considered among the lowest paying college majors, which has decreased enrollment rates in education programs, further exacerbating nationwide teacher shortages. Yet the Nevada Department of Education sends provenly successful teachers packing due to the costs associated with renewing  a teaching license. Currently the cost to renew a teaching license in Nevada is $178.75, plus the cost of the course which was mandated in 2015. The class costs $575 if taken through the cheapest option, Sierra Nevada College. According to Forbes, “63% of Americans can’t afford an unexpected $500 dollar expense.”

Nevada offers out of state teachers reciprocity, which is the promise to accept a teaching license from another state. However, after 3 years and regardless of the teachers background or ratings, every teacher has to shell out nearly a grand to renew their license. The course must be taken in Nevada, no consideration is given to equivalent courses taken in other states. The states largest school district, Clark County School District, has perpetually denied contractually guaranteed cost of living adjustment to educators. Last year former Governor Brian Sandovol provided hundreds of educators with an extension, however many are still at risk of losing their licensure.

Exacerbating economic burdens in a profession fraught with burn-out is bad policy, especially in a state short on teachers. Neighboring states offer competitive pay, smaller class sizes, and less costly licensing processess. The kicker? The vast majority of educators sent packing are ranked effective or highly effective after three years of performance reviews.