CARSON CITY, Nev. (Oct. 18, 2024) — The Carson City School District is pleased to announce Empire Elementary School’s Laura Ricks, instructional coach at Empire Elementary School, was honored this week, as one of the four statewide finalists for the Nevada State Teacher of the Year, recognized by the Nevada Department of Education.
Ricks was among three other finalists in the state for the award including Michaela Marich, kindergarten teacher at McGill Elementary School in White Pine County School District, Mike Patterson, a high school mathematics teacher at Advance Technologies Academy in Clark County School District, Roderick Lamont Russell, choir and music appreciation teacher at Liberty High School in Clark County School District and Sage Woods, physical education teacher at Kathleen and Tim Harney Middle School in Clark County School District. Ultimately, Mike Patterson was named the 2025 Nevada State Teacher of the Year.
Out of the 17 school districts in the state of Nevada, the Carson City School District has had teachers represented as top finalists for the last seven years running, including the following.
- 2025 – Laura Ricks
- 2024 – Lt. Cmdr. Dan Meyer
- 2023 – Adrienne Wiggins
- 2022 – Rachel Croft
- 2021 – Christina Bourne
- 2020 – Nick Jacques
- 2019 – Joanna Kaiser
Additionally, the Carson City School District has had four teachers win the prestigious Nevada State Teacher of the Year award. Those include the following.
- 2013 – Adam Whatley
- 2012 – Deanna LeBlanc
- 2011 – Cheryl Macy
- 2008 – LeAnn Morris
The mission of the Nevada State Teacher of the Year program is to celebrate excellence and strengthen the teaching force by honoring and recognizing exceptional teachers on a school, district, state and national level. The Nevada Teacher of the Year is chosen from nominated individuals who are then invited to apply. After a rigorous application and interview process, the finalists were sent to Jhone Ebert, superintendent of public instruction, to make the final selection.
The program is facilitated nationally by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). Along with its sponsors, CCSSO brings together State Teachers of the Year from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Washington, DC, and the Department of Defense Education Activity.
Laura Ricks first began working with the Carson City School District as a substitute teacher back in 2003. She was hired on full-time in 2013. Her career has been driven by a passionate commitment to student success, exemplified by her innovative teaching style and collaborative approach to education.
As the only National Board Certified educator at Empire Elementary school, her focus on literacy and commitment to excellence is evident in her efforts to stay informed about the latest research and best practices. To say it plainly, Ricks is the first to learn so she can lead a team.
She earned a bachelor’s in elementary education, a master’s in teaching English to speakers of other languages, she retains a certification in Gifted and Talented education and is nationally certified in STEM. She also implemented the Nevada PRESS Project interventions and serves as a writer for the Nevada State Literacy Plan.
In addition to being highly decorated as a teacher, Ms. Ricks still prioritizes student learning by helping students set and exceed their goals by fostering relationships with parents and families through weekly postcards. This personable technique reinforces the student’s sense of belonging.
PHOTO CUTLINE:
Left to Right: Tasha Fuson, chief academic officer for the Carson City School District; LeAnn Morris, retired Carson City School District teacher and the 2008 Nevada State Teacher of the Year; Laura Ricks, instructional coach at Empire Elementary School; Joanna Kaiser, GATE implementation specialist for the Carson City School District and former Nevada State Teacher of the Year finalist; Raegan Virgil, principal at Empire Elementary School; and Connie Hall, the 2023 Nevada State Teacher of the Year and kindergarten teacher at Lloyd Diedrichsen Elementary School in Sparks.
ABOUT The Nevada Department of Education
The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) leads and collaborates with Nevada’s 17 school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority to advance educational equity Statewide. With offices in Carson City and Las Vegas, NDE oversees all pre-K-12 education in the State, working to achieve its mission to improve student achievement and educator effectiveness by ensuring opportunities, facilitating learning and promoting excellence. Under the leadership of the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction, NDE impacts the achievement of nearly half a million children and 30,000 educators. Learn more at doe.nv.gov.
ABOUT Carson City School District
Located in Nevada’s capital, Carson City School District offers public education to approximately 7,300 students throughout Carson City. The district includes 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, 1 alternative high school and 1 comprehensive high school. Carson City School District boasts many successes including impressive graduation rates, strict safety measures, programs for gifted students and advanced placement classes, among several others. For more information, visit carsoncityschools.com.
