LAS VEGAS (Oct. 18, 2024) – Education nonprofit and leadership development organization, Teach For America (TFA), announces Tim Hughes as the new Executive Director of its Nevada region, where he will oversee all aspects of the organization’s regional operations. A third-generation Nevadan, CCSD graduate and 2002 Teach for America alumnus, Tim Hughes steps into the role on the heels of TFA Nevada’s recent 20-year anniversary and as the region looks to deepen its partnership with schools, nonprofits, educators and alumni, while striving to serve communities across the state.
Hughes acknowledges the organization’s impactful growth over the past two decades, while unveiling a visionary plan for the future focused on improving student outcomes and addressing teacher recruitment and retention among Nevada’s education system. Hughes is deeply committed to fostering community support and collaboration in order to meet these goals.
“It is with deep gratitude that I was entrusted by the hiring committee to become Teach for America Nevada’s new Executive Director,” said Tim Hughes. “Since becoming a corps member over 20 years ago, I have invested greatly into TFA’s mission to develop leaders who are committed to educational equity and excellence, all with a goal to expand opportunities for all children. In order to continue to serve Nevada’s students and teachers with the greatest impact, I believe we must be able to listen and learn from the students, families and educators. One of my initial priorities will be to spend time in our community to deepen my understanding of how we can best come together in support of our students and teachers.”
After graduating from the University of Nevada, Reno, Hughes soon realized he wanted to give back to his community through education. He joined Teach for America in 2002 where he began his journey as a corps member serving as middle school science teacher with Baltimore City Public Schools. After completing the two-year program, Hughes then returned to his hometown to help launch the Teach for America program in Las Vegas in 2004 as a Founding Teacher Coach. Hughes’ ongoing commitment to educational equity is underscored through his former roles as a school leader and Vice President-West, of The New Teacher Project (TNTP), and currently as an elected member of the Nevada State Board of Education.
As Executive Director, Hughes is committed to improving educational outcomes for all students, with a focus on core proficiencies in subjects including math and reading— critical foundations for ensuring pathways to social and economic mobility.
“As part of the selection committee, I was impressed with Tim’s community-focused approach to reaching our regional 2030 goals,” says Nazanin Ford, TFA NV’s Board Chair. “He demonstrated that he is a thoughtful leader who has a deep connection with our state and a strong vision for what is possible. Tim has the knowledge and creativity to bring innovative solutions to long-standing issues coupled with the ability to communicate those ideas in a way that builds trust and manifests teamwork.”
Teach For America recruits a diverse group of our nation’s most promising leaders to make an enduring commitment to educational equity, beginning with teaching for at least two years in high-need urban and rural schools. With a network of more than 800 TFA teachers and alumni currently living and working across Nevada, the organization supports a dynamic group of leaders who are dedicated to the pursuit of excellent and equitable education for all children across the state. Working inside and outside the classroom, this network includes alumni teachers, school leaders, and leaders of community-based organizations.
“After over two decades in education, both across the country and here in Nevada, I’ve come to realize that we each have different powers and privileges, and learning how to leverage them to help others is essential,” says Hughes. “It’s just as important to acknowledge our blind spots and be open to learning from the experiences of others—that’s what drives real change. As Executive Director of TFA Nevada, I’m eager to build on the work of those who came before me while ensuring the path forward creates space for all students to thrive and succeed.”
Hughes’ vast background in education, first-hand experiences with students across the country, long history with TFA, and roots in the Nevada community allow him to bring a unique perspective to his new role.
For more information about Teach For America Nevada, visit www.tfalasvegas.org.
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ABOUT TEACH FOR AMERICA NEVADA
Now celebrating its 20th year anniversary in Nevada, Teach For America recruits and develops a diverse corps of outstanding leaders who make an initial two-year commitment to teach in high-need schools and become lifelong leaders in the effort to end educational inequity. Today, Teach For America is a force of 800+ alumni and corps members working in Nevada in pursuit of profound systemic change. From classrooms to the Nevada legislature, they are reimagining education to realize the day when every child has an equal opportunity to learn, lead, thrive, and co-create a future filled with possibility. Teach For America is a proud member of the AmeriCorps national service network. For more information, visit tfalasvegas.org and follow us on Facebook and Twitter @TFANevada.
