Las Vegas Teacher Named 2027 Nevada Teacher of the Year
Valley High School social studies teacher Brooke Wheatley will advance to compete for the national title.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Secondary Education
Nevada has named social studies teacher Brooke Wheatley as the 2027 Teacher of the Year. Wheatley, a National Board Certified Teacher at Valley High School in Las Vegas, will now compete for the national Teacher of the Year title.
Why it matters
This award recognizes excellence in social studies and mental health advocacy within the classroom. Wheatley’s selection highlights the state's focus on supporting teachers who integrate academic instruction with student wellness initiatives.
Brooke Wheatley, a 1998 graduate of Pasco High School, was selected for the state honor following prior recognition including the 2021 Nevada History Teacher of the Year and the 2023 Heart of Education Award. This selection marks a notable achievement for the educator who also serves as a certified Teen Mental Health First Aid instructor.
The players
Brooke Wheatley
A National Board Certified social studies teacher at Valley High School in Las Vegas and a certified Teen Mental Health First Aid instructor.
The details
Wheatley currently teaches social studies at Valley High School in Las Vegas and brings experience from her tenure at Pasco High School between 2014 and 2015. Her work integrates specialized history curriculum with certified training in Teen Mental Health First Aid to support the holistic needs of high school students. She will move forward from the state level to represent Nevada in the national Teacher of the Year competition.
Timeline
1998: Brooke Wheatley graduated from Pasco High School.
2014-2015: Wheatley taught at Pasco High School.
2021: Wheatley received the Nevada History Teacher of the Year award.
2023: Wheatley received the Heart of Education Award.
2027: Brooke Wheatley named Nevada Teacher of the Year.
The Home Front
This award highlights the ongoing regional focus on rewarding educators who pursue National Board Certification and specialized student support roles. It underscores the broader trend of states identifying and elevating teachers who blend traditional curriculum with contemporary mental health support.
Families with students at Valley High School can look forward to having an award-winning educator leading social studies instruction. Parents interested in school achievements should monitor official district communications to stay informed about how these state-level recognitions impact local curricula.
The takeaway
The recognition of Brooke Wheatley highlights the vital role of specialized teacher training in Nevada classrooms. Families can celebrate these achievements by keeping an eye on local school district news and award announcements regarding their children's teachers.
Further reading
For more updates on classroom trends and local school recognitions, visit Secondary Education.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business.
