Teacher Ranger Teacher Summer Program

Special Education teacher and Park Ranger Marge Fujikawa on board the EUREKA ferryboat at Hyde Street Pier.

NPS

Ever thought about being a National Park ranger? During the 2009 summer, three local teachers, Margaret Burns, Marge Fujikawa, and Debbie Livingston took the plunge. As participants in the Teacher to Ranger to Teacher (TRT) program, they received training, donned flat hats, pinned on badges, and welcomed visitors from around the world. In addition to leading tours, these short-term rangers had a special assignment: find a way to bring the national park experience back to their classrooms.

Special Education teacher Marge Fujikawa developed a series of mini-lessons on plant connections and maritime history that include a variety of activities which reinforce learning for students.

Fifth grade teacher Debbie Livingston compiled biographies of men and women who contributed to the maritime experience and history of the area. She also developed pre and post-park visit activities related to the people she had researched. Margaret Burns engaged her second graders in a hands-on art project, featuring the fantastical murals and tile mosaics that adorn the historic Bathhouse building.

These teachers all made great rangers! “It turns out that teachers and the national parks have the same mission - find a way to reach our audience, and make ourselves and the experiences relevant,” said Ms. Livingston.

During the 2010 summer, the park was very fortunate to have teachers Cynthia Harb and Jim Scullion join the ranger ranks. Cynthia is a Physical Education teacher at Marina Middle School in San Francisco. During her summer at the park she developed a Ship Shape Walk.

We hope to offer this program during the 2011 summer. San Francisco Maritime’s TRTs will receive training and work for eight weeks from mid-June through the first week of August. TRTs receive a $600 per week stipend, uniform, and a week of training conducted at the park. The application deadline is early May. Links to application information are below in PDF format (these are last year's forms and are for information only). For more information call Supervisory Park Ranger John Cunnane, 415-561-7049, or email him.

The TRT program at San Francisco Maritime is made possible by a contribution from the Jean McClatchy Bricker Memorial Fund. This fund was established by the San Francisco Maritime National Park Association to help children learn about their national heritage, culture, and the outdoors.

 

Application Form (PDF, 100 KB)

Information Sheet (PDF, 170 KB)

Principal Support Letter (PDF, 80 KB)