Last Friday, September 23, Nevada Lieutenant Governor Cano Burkhead took over teaching a class at Schurz Elementary School, acting as a substitute teacher and using this as an opportunity to connect with some of her younger constituents.

Lt. Governor Burkhead is a first generation Latina who was born and raised in Las Vegas. She spent 25 years in the Nevada public school system, first acting as a Spanish and English teacher and then as an administrator and principal. She retired last year before being elected lieutenant governor, yet is still committed to advocating for the needs of public education in Nevada and uses her platform to speak up for students, parents, and fellow educators.

Lt. Governor Burkhead visited the Laura Dearing Elementary School last week in Las Vegas, substitute teaching in the same fourth grade classroom that she was formerly a student in. Eighty percent of the students were Hispanic, so she was able to teach in Spanish and celebrate with the students in Hispanic Heritage Month. Burkhead’s own family originated from Argentina.

However, last Friday’s visit to Schurz was the first time she’s served as a substitute teacher at a school located on a tribal reservation.

“I’ve always said I won’t stop being an educator now that I am Lieutenant Governor,” Lieutenant Governor Cano Burkhead said. “These are special opportunities to give back to my old elementary school at Dearing, and also learn more about one of our great tribal communities in Schurz.”

Last year, Lt. Governor Burkhead spent a few days substitute teaching at the Sparks High School in Washoe County, and Chaparral High School and Canyon Springs High School in Las Vegas. Her visit to Schurz Elementary School will be her fifth experience as a substitute teacher since becoming lieutenant governor for Nevada.

“She connects well with the kids and this constituency outreach on tribal land is important to her, because this is not as prominent an area as Reno or Vegas,” says Communications Director Justin Emerson about her upcoming visit to Schurz. Burkhead taught high school for many years and has elementary school age children at home.

“She’s a longtime educator so it’s important to her to be able to stay active in the education system. And I’m probably a bit biased because I enjoy working for her, but I think that her being lieutenant governor and still going to school is great for the state,” Emerson adds.

Lt. Governor Lisa Cano Burkhead also serves as a member of the governor’s cabinet, president of the State Senate, and chairperson of the Nevada Commission on Tourism, Advisory Board on Outdoor Recreation, and the Keep Nevada Working Task Force. Lt. Governor Burkhead is also a member of the Board of Economic Development and serves on the Executive Budget Audit Committee, as well as acting as vice chair on the Board of Transportation. For more information regarding her current work and background, visit https://ltgov.nv.gov/.