Teacher-Ranger-Teacher Program

What's a Teacher-Ranger-Teacher?
Teacher-Ranger-Teachers or TRTs are just that - classroom teachers during the school year who work as Park Rangers during the summer then return to their schools for the next school year. TRTs are expected to wear their Ranger uniform to school and share their National Park Service experiences with students and colleagues at least one day during the school year, during National Parks Week the following April as a minimum - of course, more is certainly acceptable.

2012 Teacher-Ranger-Teacher Positions
Missouri National Recreational River is seeking enthusiastic teachers interested in learning about the National Park Service, sharing your summer experiences as a National Park Ranger with your students and colleagues, and help the park further develop curriculum-based education program.

Projects for this summer may include:

·        developing a conceptual framework for future curriculum materials that align the park's resources and educational themes with South Dakota and Nebraska state standards

·        working with park staff and other teachers to provide input on the park's future education program

·        opportunities to get a behind-the scenes look at how a national park operates and learn about some of the different National Park Service jobs through job shadows

·        developing and presenting Junior Ranger and other programs to local youth at the park and partner sites in the Missouri River Corridor

·        developing and pilot testing curriculum materials about the river's natural and cultural history

·        assisting with presenting teacher workshops

·        assisting with conducting pre-survey survey and administering the park's Visitor Studies Project Survey

This summer's Teacher-Ranger-Teacher (TRT) Program will run for 8 weeks between early June and mid- August; exact dates will be determined by the each teachers' individual availability.

The goal is to hire multiple teachers from South Dakota and Nebraska, one from each state at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.

Benefits include:

·        $300/week salary supplement for 8 weeks

·        You get to wear the National Park Service uniform - including the Ranger hat and be a ranger for the summer!

·        A certificate documenting your hours for professional development; I am currently working on getting credit approved for those who want or need it

How to Apply: Complete and submit the Application along with your resume:

via email to e-mail us or

via fax to 605-665-4183 or

via mail to:

Chris Wilkinson
Chief of Interpretation & Education
Missouri National Recreational River
508 East Second Street
Yankton, SD 57078

For questions or more information, contact Chris Wilkinson either by email address above or by phone at [phone] x29.