Teacher-Ranger-Teacher Program

The Teacher-to-Ranger-to-Teacher program is an extended professional development opportunity for teachers to connect with national parks through a summer work experience. Teachers selected as teacher-rangers spend the summer performing various duties depending on their interests and the needs of the park. The Teacher-Ranger-Teacher program allows parks to reach teachers and students who have had little or no experience with a national park setting and provides opportunities to explore the relevance that National Park Service sites can have in their lives.

Big South Fork Teacher-Ranger-Teacher Program
Teachers selected as a Teacher-Ranger-Teacher spend six weeks working side-by-side with park 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 Teacher-Ranger-Teacher program provides a stipend and professional development credits.

Once they return to their schools, teacher-rangers bring their park knowledge and experiences into the school and classrooms throughout the school year to engage students, faculty, and staff in lessons and activities that relate to Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area and other National Park Service sites.

POTENTIAL PARK EXPERIENCES
Teacher-Ranger-Teacher assignments and projects depend upon the individual selected and current park projects. Training in Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area 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.

 

BENEFITS
To Teacher-Rangers

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

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 Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area

• 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 national parks and heritage conservation
• Enrich the Obed visitor experience through the programming and visitor service offered by the teacher-ranger

 

HOW TO APPLY
All applications must include the following:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Two references
• Completed application

Applications must be submitted via email by May 12, 2023.

Click here to apply.