Education notebook

COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA SEEKS PART-TIME TEACHERS

The College of Southern Nevada's part-time instructor job fair is scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Charleston campus, 6375 W. Charleston Blvd., in the Ralph and Betty Engelstad School of Health Sciences lobby.

The college has part-time openings for instructors beginning in the spring 2012 semester in fields such as videography, biology, graphic arts, communication, English composition, dental hygiene, international languages, art, criminal justice, math and occupational therapy. Faculty from each department will be present at the fair.

For a complete list of open positions, job descriptions and instructions on how to apply, visit csn.edu/ptinstructor.

READING PROGRAM NEEDS MENTORS FOR ELEMENTARY STUDENTS

Spread the Word Nevada's reading mentor program, Books and Buddies, is seeking volunteers to help students in kindergarten through fifth grade improve reading proficiency. Spread the Word Nevada matches adult mentors with elementary students at 26 at-risk schools.

Volunteers are asked to make a minimum commitment of one hour per week for 12 weeks. Training will be provided, and background checks are required.

For more information, call volunteer coordinator Libbi Erickson at 564-7809 or email libbi@spreadthewordnevada.org.

TECHNOLOGY GRANTS AVAILABLE TO LOCAL TEACHERS

National Security Technologies is offering $50,000 in grants to schoolteachers for innovations in science, technology, engineering and math. These STEM Innovative Instruction grants are available to teachers in all grade levels.

There are no specific restrictions on the grant except that the money must be used in support of STEM programs and must be requested by a teacher. Requests will be accepted through Nov. 30 and can be submitted to nstecsupportseducation@nv.doe.gov. Awards will be announced Dec. 15.

For more information, contact Jennifer Mankins at 295-5247 or Shari Morrison at 295-2843.

ROBOT DESIGN CONTEST OPEN TO CLARK COUNTY STUDENTS

National Security Technologies is offering education grants for students interested in science, technology, engineering and math programs. Grants ranging from $1,500 to $2,500 will be awarded to first-, second- and third-place winners. Applications will be accepted through Dec. 29. For more information, visit nstec.com.

ESSAY CONTEST, $1,000 UP FOR GRABS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

The Bill of Rights Institute in Washington, D.C., is hosting a nationwide essay contest for all high school students, with cash prizes of up to $1,000.

The Being an American Essay Contest explores the founding principles outlined in the Constitution, specifically, "How does the Constitution establish and maintain a culture of liberty?"

Three students from each of five geographic regions will win first-, second- and third-place prizes. Essays should be 1,000 or fewer words.

For more information, visit billofrightsinstitute.org/contest. Deadline for submissions is Dec. 15.

SPRING VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL TO HOST YOUTH WRESTLING

Spring Valley High School plans to host a youth wrestling program at 6 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, beginning this week and continuing through February. The program is open to students 8 to 13.

Parents can register their child for $75 at any of the evening practices. For more information, call coach Fred Meyer at 580-3807.

BARtLETT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HOSTING FOOD DRIVE

Bartlett Elementary School, 1961 Wigwam Parkway, is hosting a food drive through Nov. 22. Students, parents and community members can donate canned goods and non-perishable items during regular school hours. For more information, call counselor Ampy Towery at 799-5750.

TATE ELEMENTARY STUDENTS RECEIVE NEW DICTIONARIES

More than 250 third-, fourth- and fifth-graders at Tate Elementary School, 2450 Lincoln Road, received dictionaries last month from NV Energy. Tate is the company's Focus School Partner and receives support throughout the year.