The National Park Service (NPS) -
Teacher Ranger Teacher (TRT) program is a professional development opportunity for K-12 teachers to spend the summer learning about Casa Grande Ruins National Monument and assist with the development of its educational programming. A teacher will spend up to six weeks working on an educational project and participating in an online graduate course from the University of Colorado Denver. The goal of the program is to expose teachers to the park’s resources and to assist the park in developing educational opportunities for teachers and students.
Dates: June - July 30, 2022 (can end earlier if needed to accommodate school schedule)
Work Location: Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
Stipend: $3000.00 upon completion of program and graduate course requirements (Paid in early October)
Graduate Credit: 3 graduate credit hours through University of Colorado Denver
Expected Level of Effort: Successful completion of the TRT program will equal approximately 240 hours of effort. The actual number of days or weeks that the teacher spends at the park or program office can be negotiated at the park or program office level as long as the program requirements can be met by the end of the teacher's experience. TRTs are expected to spend approximately one to two hours each day in online course work.
- 160 hours of major educational project and lesson plan (project and lesson plan will be based on NPS resources and will be included in online course requirements)- 65%
- 45 hours online coursework- 20%
- 35 hours other NPS operations experience- 15%
Additional Information: Casa Grande Ruins is a small park with a big story! Themes surrounding history, science, civics, literacy, and culture are all ripe for exploration. The TRT should have strong skills in lesson plan development. Since these products will be made available on the park's website, strong skills in digital media (i.e. video and graphic design) are also desirable. During the summer, the TRT may also participate in park preservation projects and basic visitor services.
Benefits for Teacher-Ranger-Teachers
- Professional development providing a wide range of new knowledge and skills through working with park staff and partners.
- Gain access to an extensive array of teaching resources and tools to enhance classroom curriculum in multiple content areas.
- Begin or extend a personal and professional connection with national parks.
Benefits to School Children
- Place-based learning.
- Opportunities and resources to connect to their natural and cultural heritage in new way.
- Awareness of the possibilities for volunteering and paid employment with the National Park Service.
Benefits for Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
- 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
- Enrich the Casa Grande Ruins student experience through the programming developed by the teacher-ranger
Apply
Please e-mail your resume, cover letter and two references to cagr_education@nps.gov. All applications must be submitted through email, and are due by Friday, May 20, 2022.
