Teacher-Ranger-Teacher

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The Teacher–Ranger–Teacher (TRT) program provides opportunities for teachers to connect to the resources in a national park. Teachers develop lesson plans based on their park experience for use in the classroom and parks.

Program Background
Classroom teachers are detailed as park rangers to Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park through an Inter-Governmental Personnel Act (IPA) agreement between their own public school district and the National Park Service. This program links the Park to teachers from under-served school districts. Teachers spend 8-10 weeks working in the park. They perform various duties depending on their interests and the needs of the park. During this time, the park provides a ranger uniform and a stipend .

Once they return to their schools, teacher-rangers bring national parks into the classroom throughout the school year. Then during National Park Week in April, teacher-rangers wear their NPS uniform to school and engage students and other teachers in activities that relate to the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and other NPS sites.

Benefits

To Teacher-Rangers: 

• Obtain a wide range of new knowledge and skills by working with park staff and partners
• Enhance their curriculum in multiple content areas
• Gain access to a wide array of teaching resources and tools
• Begin or extend a life-long personal connection with national parks

To School Children:

• Provide an opportunity to connect to their nation’s heritage in new and creative ways
• Learn about the possibilities for volunteering and paid employment with the National Park Service
• Receive new tools and resources for exploring natural and cultural history

To Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park:

• Opportunity to reach new or under-served audiences
• Build a network of enthusiastic, knowledgeable educators who are able to teach their students and colleagues about the ethics and issues of heritage conservation
• Enrich the park visitor experience through the programming and visitor service offered by the teacher-ranger

Potential Park Experiences
Future TRT assignments and projects will depend upon the individuals hired and current park projects. Training in natural and cultural history and the National Park Service mission will be provided. Duties may include observing, preparing, and presenting public programs; staffing the visitor center; roving interpretation; performing visitor surveys; evaluating school programs; providing community outreach and teacher workshops.

Application Process
Park TRT information is posted here and disseminated through teacher list serves. Teachers apply directly to the park.

More Information
Many parks throughout the country offer this unique opportunity to teachers. Please contact each park you are interested in directly. Presently this program is not offered at at Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Seattle. (target date summer 2012)