A Hand Up, Not a Handout: Renae Sheldon’s Mission at CALV

Empowering Through Education: Instructor Renae Sheldon’s Journey from ESL Teacher to Community Champion 

For Renae Sheldon, teaching isn’t just a job. It’s an intersection of her faith and her desire to connect with people.  

As an undergraduate, Renae pursued a degree in Cross-Cultural Ministry. During her studies, she had the opportunity to visit Taiwan, where she taught English to adults. It was this experience that formed her love for building relationships through education. 

Before joining The Culinary Academy of Las Vegas (CALV), Sheldon served as ESL and Citizenship teacher, teaching at various properties on the Las Vegas Strip including the Wynn Resort Las Vegas and The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. There, she witnessed how improved language skills helped her students advance in their careers. 

Joining CALV in the summer of 2024, Renae was drawn to CALV’s mission of empowerment through education. “CALV doesn’t give a handout, they give a hand up,” she says. “I’m grateful to serve the international community in the Las Vegas community by helping students gain the language skills they need to pursue training and enter meaningful employment.”  

Renae also credits her success at CALV to the support she receives from her team. “My team is excellent. Ryan and Linda give me all the support I need while trusting me to teach classes independently,” she shares. This trust and autonomy allow her to bring her full self into the classroom, which is something she doesn’t take for granted. 

Outside of the classroom, Renae’s own journey of perseverance is just as inspiring. Finishing her graduate degree while working full time is an accomplishment Sheldon is most proud of. Mirroring the dedication she sees in her students every day.