Teacher-Ranger-Teacher Program

The Teacher-to-Ranger-to-Teacher (TRT) program is a professional development opportunity for teachers to connect with national parks through a summer work experience. Selected teachers spend the summer working as park rangers performing various duties depending on their interests and the needs of the park. The TRT program allows parks to reach teachers and students who have had little or no experience with national parks and provides opportunities to explore the relevance that national parks can have in their lives.

Shenandoah National Park TRT Program
Teachers selected as a TRTs are detailed to Shenandoah National Park through an Inter-Governmental Personnel Act (IPA) agreement between the school district or school and the National Park Service. The TRT spends 8-10 weeks working in the park as a uniformed park ranger, usually working side-by-side with other rangers performing various duties such as developing and presenting interpretive programs for the general public, staffing the visitor center desk, reviewing existing or developing new curriculum-based education materials, or undertaking special projects. The park provides a park ranger uniform and a stipend (normally $300/week).

Once they return to their schools, teacher-rangers bring their national park knowledge and experiences into the school and classrooms throughout the school year. During National Park Week in April or for other planned activities, teacher-rangers may wear their park ranger uniform at school and engage students, faculty, and staff in activities that relate to Shenandoah National Park and other national park sites.

Benefits
To Teacher-Rangers:

• Obtain new knowledge and skills by working with park staff
• Enhance their curriculum in multiple content areas
• Gain access to a wide array of teaching resources and tools
• Create personal connection with national parks

 To Students:

• 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 through national parks

To Shenandoah National Park:

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

Potential Park Experiences

TRT assignments and projects depend upon the individual selected and current park projects. Training in Shenandoah National Park natural and cultural history and the National Park Service mission will be provided. Duties may include preparing and presenting public programs; assisting with field research; evaluating school programs, teacher workshops, and curriculum materials; or providing community outreach programs.

Application Process

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

Application period for 2012 is closed.

More Information

Contact Tim Taglauer, via e-mail or by phone, 540-999-3500, x3488

Click here for a list of other national parks participating in the Teacher-Ranger-Teacher program.

To connect to the National Park Teachers blog site click here.