Teacher-Ranger-Teacher

Elementary school classroom in Oak Ridge, TN in 1944

US DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY / ED WESTCOTT

 

Education

• More Education
• Curriculum Materials
• Distance Learning
• Parks as Classrooms
• Plan a Field Trip

The Teacher-Ranger-Teacher (TRT) program provides a unique professional development experience by linking national park units with teachers from predominantly Title 1 (at least 30 percent of students on free or reduced cost meals) school districts. Teachers participating in the program will complete a three-credit hour online course in experiential learning through the University of Colorado Denver while they also experience diverse functions of park operations through shadowing NPS staff. Teachers who successfully complete both the online graduate course and the NPS program requirements will receive a stipend that can help cover living expenses and local travel costs to participate in the program.

Once TRTs return to their schools, they 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 Manhattan Project NHP and other National Park Service sites.

TRTs and NPS staff plan a major education project to be completed by the teacher as part of the online course requirements. The project, depending on their interests and the needs of the park, could include developing and presenting interpretive programs for school field trips or summer camps, creating new content for the NPS educator's portal, developing curriculum-based materials for the park, or other special education related projects. Specific projects for each year and location are listed on the application. 

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 Manhattan Project National Historical 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 national parks and heritage conservation. 

• Enrich the Manhattan Project visitor experience through the programming and visitor service offered by the the Teacher-Ranger-Teacher. 

How to apply 

We currently do not have any Teacher Ranger Teacher opportunities. Please check back later.