Julie Johndreau - NPS Photo

Teacher to Ranger Jessica Dux shakes the hand of a new Junior Ranger.

Teacher-Ranger-Teacher Program

The Teacher to Ranger to Teacher (TRT) Program links national parks with teachers from under-served, Title 1 school districts. The program offers teachers an exciting opportunity to work in a national park for the summer. Then, during the school year, these teacher-rangers bring their experiences back to the classroom by developing and presenting curriculum-based lesson plans based on their summer experience. Teacher-rangers even wear their official uniform to school during National Park Week in April.  

"This past summer, I lived a dream as a national park ranger in Badlands National Park through the Teacher-Ranger –Teacher program. It was absolutely awesome to spend eight weeks working in a national park and sharing experiences with visitors from all over the world. The geology, fossils, wildlife, and beauty of this place is worth taking the time to soak it all in. I look forward to sharing my experiences with my students this year and hopefully instilling in them the same love and appreciation that I have for our national parks." -- Teacher Ranger Larry McAfee, 2009

“In my opinion, working at Badlands National Park as a teacher-ranger is one of the most rewarding professional development programs available. I have worked alongside very talented individuals and have had access to amazing natural resources. It has been an extremely rewarding experience to develop material that helps to broaden the horizons of my students, as well as other educators.” -- Teacher-Ranger Jessica Dux, 2008       

For more information on the Teacher-Ranger-Teacher Program at Badlands National Park, or to see if your school district qualifies, contact the park’s Education Specialist. Information is also available on other National Park Service sites participating in the Teacher-Ranger-Teacher Program.