It’s Teacher Appreciation Week, and Governor Joe Lombardo isn’t just saying nice things. He’s putting the receipts on the table.
This week, Lombardo sent a personal letter to all 74,360 licensed educators in Nevada. He also signed an official proclamation recognizing the week. It’s the kind of gesture that matters — but what conservatives will want to look at is what’s behind it.
What the Governor Actually Did
Lombardo didn’t just show up with a card and a coffee mug. He showed up with a check.
This year’s Teacher Appreciation Week highlights nearly doubling the number of state-funded pre-K seats in the Nevada Ready program.
Back in 2023, Lombardo’s administration secured $250 million in teacher pay raises for public school educators statewide. Then in 2025, he worked to make those raises permanent — and extended them to charter school teachers, too.
Think about that for a second. Charter school teachers often get left out when the union crowd is calling the shots. Lombardo made sure they weren’t forgotten.
“I want to be clear: my commitment to Nevada’s educators isn’t temporary, it’s ongoing,” the Governor wrote in his letter.
“Today and in the years ahead, I will continue working alongside you to address what matters most: competitive compensation, access to classroom resources, and preparing our students with a modernized, dynamic education.”
Why This Matters to Conservatives
Conservatives believe in rewarding excellence. We believe in results. And we believe parents — not bureaucrats — should be in the driver’s seat when it comes to their kids’ education.
That’s exactly why this story has teeth. When a conservative governor stands up for charter school teachers, he’s standing up for school choice. Charter schools give families options. They break the monopoly that teachers’ unions and school district administrators have held for decades.
Nevada’s public schools have struggled for years. The state has often ranked near the bottom nationally in education outcomes. Throwing money at the problem without accountability hasn’t worked. What has worked — at least in places where it’s been tried — is competition, parental involvement, and giving good teachers the respect and pay they deserve.
And it’s worth noting: Nevada’s education community is broader than just traditional classrooms. Thousands of Nevada families have chosen to homeschool their children — a decision that reflects the conservative value of parental rights and local control over education.
Those parents deserve recognition too, because they are investing their own time, energy, and resources to educate the next generation.
What Critics Will Say
Teachers union leaders and some Democrats argue that $250 million still isn’t enough — that Nevada needs more funding, smaller class sizes, and less emphasis on charter schools. They’ll say extending raises to charter teachers takes focus away from traditional public schools.
But conservatives would argue that paying teachers more while expanding options for families isn’t an either/or choice. We can do both.
Looking Ahead
Governor Lombardo’s proclamation officially designates May 3–9, 2026, as Teacher Appreciation Week in Nevada.
Thank you to the over 74,000 licensed educators in Nevada who are shaping the future of our next generation.
Together, we will collaborate with teachers to ensure competitive pay, access to classroom resources, and a modern, dynamic education that prepares students for success. pic.twitter.com/detIQnCb3S
— Governor Joe Lombardo (@JosephMLombardo) May 5, 2026
But the bigger picture is what happens next.
The 2026 election cycle is heating up. Education policy will be front and center.
Lombardo’s record here gives him something real to run on — and something real to defend. His Democratic opponents will push for more government control, bigger budgets with fewer strings attached, and less room for school choice.
Conservatives should pay attention to which candidates support empowering parents and rewarding good teachers.
What You Can Do
Start close to home. Thank a teacher this week — especially one at a charter school or a homeschool co-op who might not hear it as often. Then stay engaged with your local school board. Show up and pay attention to how your tax dollars are being spent.
And when election season arrives, support candidates who believe education belongs to families first — not to government bureaucracies.
“You are shaping the next generation of Nevadans,” Governor Lombardo wrote to Nevada’s educators, “and the progress we are making as a state would not be possible without your tireless efforts.”
He’s right. And the best way to honor that? Make sure the policies in place actually help teachers teach — and let parents choose.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
