Teacher Ranger Teacher

TRT Blanche Herrera shares a laugh with Sam, a boa constrictor, in her classroom at Putnam Elementary in the El Paso Independent School District.

NPS

News Release Date: May 7, 2009

Contact: Michael Groomer, 915-532-7273 x124

From April 20th through the 24th, two elementary school science teachers wore park ranger uniforms in their classes in celebration of National Parks Week. Blanche Herrera of Putnam Elementary and Ginger Simons of Crosby Elementary are Teacher-Ranger-Teachers (TRT) for Chamizal National Memorial (NM). The TRT program hires area teachers to develop lesson plans and education programs that promote the park and its international significance. Meeting state-approved education standards, the teachers focus on exploring Chamizal NM as a resource to expand on social studies and science concepts for their students.

As part of the program, Teacher-Ranger-Teachers wear park ranger uniforms in the classroom, conduct regular classes, and speak to students about Chamizal NM and the National Park Service (NPS).

"It's really neat because students respond well to the uniform," says Teacher-Ranger-Teacher Ginger Simons. "Kids will be curious about it and be really attentive when you talk about the National Park Service. I tell them about the (NPS) mission and it fits well with our conservation themes that we teach in earth science. I like to think it's more of a values lesson than a science one."

The TRT is also aimed at reaching kids who might not have had a chance yet to visit Chamizal NM or other NPS sites.

"Because kids, and even adults, in school feel so comfortable coming up and asking me questions, I think it helps make the uniform more recognizable and makes park rangers look more accessible. Kids shouldn't feel shy about going up to a park ranger to ask questions or for help."

Call 532-7273 for more information or visit our website https://www.nps.gov/cham.