Kenneth J. Varner

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Professor and Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Initiatives, College of Education
Director, Gayle A. Zeiter Center for Literacy
Expertise: Teacher preparation and pathways, Language, literacy, and culture, White racial identity, School-to-prison pipeline, Culturally responsive pedagogy, Global education and engagement

Biography

Kenneth Varner’s research centers around the intersections of global education and engagement, with an emphasis on the language and literacy practices of individuals and communities. He is additionally an expert in teacher preparation and preparation pathway approaches in Nevada, the United States, and abroad.

A frequent media source, Varner's work has examined topics such as white racial identity, the school-to-prison pipeline, culturally responsive practice, and the role of international education.

Varner is the author of over 90 publications including articles in Teacher’s College Record, Educational Foundations, Democracy in Education, and Social Identities: Journal for the Studies of Race, Nation, and Culture.

Education

  • Ph.D., Education and Critical Race Theory, The Ohio State University
  • M.S., Literacy, St. John Fisher College
  • B.A., Education, Niagara University

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books & literature, education (higher ed), education (preK-12)

Kenneth J. Varner In The News

Nevada Forward: A real solution to the teacher shortage
AFT
Here’s what I hear on the frontlines of the teacher shortage, where educators — and students — are struggling with crowded classrooms and a lack of resources. “I am overwhelmed.” “I didn’t sign up to be a nurse, a doctor and a social worker.” “Our classes are too big.” “I’m burned out.”
English language educators in Las Vegas Valley may get more help
Las Vegas Review Journal
Nevada, she said, would have a leg up in applying for funding. Why? Because it already has a program that fits the mold. On Monday afternoon, Cortez Masto visited UNLV, where Nevada Forward Initiative first started (originally called Paraprofessional Pathways Project) in 2021. The program has since been expanded into an undergraduate and graduate program, offering apprenticeships to people on their path to becoming licensed teachers.
When will the teacher shortage problem end at Clark County School District?
K.T.N.V. T.V. ABC 13
With ongoing contract disputes between Clark County School District and Clark County Education Association, many question what the future of teachers will look like.
UNLV Program that fast-tracks pathway to becoming a teacher sees success
K.S.N.V. T.V. News 3
The effort to fill teaching positions in our schools continues. Educator shortages are leading to teacher burnout, and students are also feeling the impact. A UNLV program is meant to get teachers into our classrooms at a time when they're needed the most.
All Kenneth J. Varner In The News

Articles Featuring Kenneth J. Varner

UNLV Newsmakers 2022: October
Scarlet and Gray, “REB's Glitter Squad”, Lester Cruz and Isabel Ferguson, take pictures and hype up students and families during the October 2022 homecoming football game.
Campus News | November 8, 2022

A collection of news stories highlighting UNLV students and faculty who made headlines locally, regionally, and internationally.

UNLV Newsmakers 2022: February
a teacher and student in a classroom
Campus News | March 7, 2022

A collection of news stories highlighting the experts and events at UNLV.

All Articles Featuring Kenneth J. Varner