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

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.”

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.

With ongoing contract disputes between Clark County School District and Clark County Education Association, many question what the future of teachers will look like.

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.