Wyoming Department of Education

Wyoming Department of Education to roll out an apprenticeship program for people with High School Diplomas and Associate Degrees, which potentially would allow them to teach in Wyoming schools as a result of a severe teacher shortage.

The Wyoming Department of Education is organizing a series of listening sessions to gather ideas directly from people on how to improve digital learning in the state.

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.

A new report shows that primary and secondary school students in Wyoming made better progress than students from other states during the pandemic months.

The summer food program employs 11 people funded by the Northern Arapaho tribe and the Wyoming Department of Education.

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.

The federally funded program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is administered by the Wyoming Department of Education and provides free meals for kids and teens who may not otherwise have regular access to food outside of the school year. The program saw a significant increase in the number of meals provided last year due to the pandemic.

Wyoming's graduation rates continue to rise. There has been modest growth for eight straight years and now it stands at 82.4 percent.

Wyoming State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow is leaving the state. Her plan is to take on the same role in Virginia, joining that state's soon-to-be governor in his efforts to "lead on the front lines of educational transformation in this country."

Wyoming has the highest suicide rate in the nation, at more than twice the national average, and nationally, suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents. Advocates say suicide prevention education is a way to address the problem.