Teacher-Ranger-Teacher Program

Teacher-Ranger explores the alpine tundra with students.

Courtesy NPS

 

The Teacher-Ranger-Teacher (TRT) program at Rocky Mountain National Park provides opportunities for in-service teachers of Colorado's Front Range who are within a one-day's field trip distance to spend the summer working in Rocky Mountain National Park connecting with the resources and participating in a variety of duties that suit their interests and the needs of the park's education program. Teachers lead activities and develop lesson plans based on their park experience for use in the classroom and park. The program focuses on teachers from schools with ethnically diverse student populations, who have had little or no experience with national parks or limited opportunity to explore them. Teachers from Title I schools are especially encouraged to apply.

Program Background

Classroom teachers are detailed as park rangers to Rocky Mountain National Park through an Inter-Governmental Personnel Act (IPA) agreement with the University of Colorado, Denver. Teachers spend 8-10 weeks working and living in the park. During this time, the park provides a ranger uniform, shared housing, and a stipend. Once they return to their schools, teacher-rangers bring national parks into the classroom throughout the school year. 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 Rocky Mountain 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
• Fulfill a life-long dream of working in a national park

To Schoolchildren:

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

To Rocky Mountain National 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 and the education program through the expertise and programming offered by the teacher-ranger

Potential Park Experiences

Teacher - Ranger assignments and projects will depend upon the individual 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 educational or public programs; planning and facilitating summer camp programs; developing educational and interpretive materials and media; providing community outreach; working with other divisions in the park; and assisting with teacher workshops.

Application Process

Hiring has ended for the 2013 summer season. Click here to view the application.

More Information

Click here for more information about Teacher-Ranger.
Contact Mark De Gregorio, Education Program Manager, via e-mail or by phone [phone]), for additional information.