teachers

Four-day school weeks are becoming more popular nationally as education systems struggle with teacher recruitment and retention. And the Mountain West is keen on truncated scheduling, especially in rural areas.

A new report from the National Council on Teacher Quality shows that some Mountain West states are not doing a lot to support and retain teachers of color in their policies and practices.

Officials across the Mountain West are looking for ways to recruit and retain more teachers in local schools. While salary changes are a large part of discussions, low pay isn’t the only thing contributing to this critical labor shortage.

Jessica Kavitz, a kindergarten teacher at Meadowlark Elementary School, was surprised with the award on Nov. 29. She is the first teacher in Johnson County School District #1 to receive this honor, which has been called the "Oscar of Teaching." Kavitz also received $25,000 and an all expenses paid trip to Milken Educator Awards Forum in Los Angeles in April 2023.

Zach Beam, a science and STEM teacher, received the honor on Aug. 22 and will go on to attend several workshops beginning next year as part of his selection. Additionally, Beam will participate in a professional development and leadership program for top state educators. His name will also be entered for the National Teacher of the Year honor, which will be announced next spring.

The survey was administered jointly by the University of Wyoming College of Education and the Wyoming Education Association. Factors such as teacher pay, the effects and demands of the COVID-19 pandemic, student assessments, and mental health concerns were some of the major reasons why teachers have considered leaving the profession.

Alex Martin is a young education professional who moved here from Washington state. She's been in Wyoming for about two years and she's not sure whether she'll stay. Although Martin isn't a teacher, her situation is similar to many young rural professionals who move to the state.

Washakie County School District #1 in Worland is having a substitute shortage. But that's nothing new."It's always an issue. Most of the time we do pretty…

Alexis Barney teaches fourth and fifth grade at Evansville Elementary School in Casper. And this year, the Wyoming Department of Education has announced…

The Buffalo Bill Center of the West co-hosted an intensive week long workshop for teachers on how to use primary sources in their classrooms. This…