Holiday Season 2024 | The Latest Updates from WSUP

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With November behind us and December underway, we’re reminded of the season’s spirit of gratitude and collaboration. This month, we’re excited to share news about the latest initiatives, events, and resources that are supporting education across Wyoming. 

Partnership Specific

Governing Board Meetings

Our next Governing Board meeting will be held virtually on January 15, 2024. Please review October's materials since we did not have a chance to meet during that month. January's materials are still being compiled.

Photo of CFES and HAP Career Fair at Burlington High School.

College for Every Student Schools Of Distinction


Burlington High School and Rocky Mountain High Schools in Big Horn County School District #1 were both recognized as Schools of Distinction at the CFES Brilliant Pathways Conference for their work in advancing college and career readiness. Mrs. Sally Bernhisel is the Career Readiness Advisor for the school district and orchestrated much of the work necessary to receive the recognition. Congratulations!

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Group photo of Wyoming and New York students at the CFES Conference.

College for Every Student National Conference Presentations


The High Altitude Pathways Grant team held three presentations at the College for Every Student National Conference in Burlington, VT this past week. Attendees included members from WSUP member districts Albany 1 and Goshen 1. Presentations included:

Photo Collage of Voices in the Field.

NASUP Conference Presentation Accepted


Albany 1, Big Horn 1, and WSUP will be presenting at the National Association of School University Partnerships annual conference on Voices in the Field. The conference is being held March 6-8, 2025 in New Orleans, LA.


Voices in the Field was an original collaboration between Malinda Garcia and the Partnership back when Malinda taught in Fremont 6. Since becoming the principal at Whiting High School in Albany 1, Malinda not only brought Voices along with her, but has shared it with Big Horn 1 and Rock River High School in Albany 1 to boost collaboration between schools and districts. The presentation will host student voices, while centering on the history of this collaboration and how it meets statewide curriculum standards.

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Education Community Updates

Photo of College of Education Dean Jenna Shim.

Stay informed about everything happening at the University of Wyoming College of Education.

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WTMC Cohort 4 Nominations


Just a reminder that nominations for Cohort 4 of the Wyoming Teacher Mentor Corps (WTMC) will begin in early January 2025. WTMC is striving to have 50 teacher mentors in this cohort, so please start identifying teachers in your districts who you would like to participate in this opportunity.

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Photo of Inaugural Wyoming Teacher Mentor Corps Cohort.
Photo of Native American Teacher.
View the Presentation

Wind River Reservation Sabbatical Research


College of Education faculty, Dr. Lydiah Nganga, recently presented on her sabbatical research which focused on educational best practices for Native American students on the Wind River Reservation. She examined challenges educators face while promoting Culturally Relevant Pedagogies (CRP) and fostering collaboration among schools, communities, and teacher education programs. Using Collaborative Based Professional (CBP) learning, the project emphasized reciprocity, encouraging innovation and inquiry to support Native students’ success. The research highlights social issues and the shortage of culturally prepared educators, advocating for deeper teacher training in culturally sustaining pedagogies. Dr. Nganga’s work aims to improve outcomes for Indigenous students and advance conversations on decolonizing education systems.

Early Childhood Education Updates


The College of Education early childhood faculty team, led by Dr. Marisa Macy, is working hard on the new Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. The degree will be blended early childhood education/early childhood special education degree leading to PTSB licensure in Birth-3rd grade education and Birth-age 5 special education. The degree will be offered both on campus and distance.


Dr. Amy Encinger was awarded a $100,000 grant to complete a secondary analysis of Head Start and Early Head Start data to study predictors of Native American Children's Social Emotional Outcomes using a strengths-based approach. The team recently partnered with the Wyoming Department of Education to establish a preschool certification process for preschools of families participating in the new Education Savings Account program.

Photo of Educator working with Pre-K student.
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Photo of WY State Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder.

Stay informed about everything happening at the Wyoming Department of Education.

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Upcoming Conferences and PD Opportunities

Free Professional Development for Early Childhood Educators


The Wyoming Department of Education will be hosting nine free monthly virtual Early Childhood Professional Development sessions. The first of these sessions will be held on December 10 from 10 am to noon.

Learn More and Register
Photo of pre-k students playing a game.

Educational Resources & Student Experiences

Photo of Nikki Baldwin with two pre-k students.

Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative


The Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative continues outreach to childcare and preschool providers across the state; providing free professional learning and coaching to elevate quality in Wyoming.

Learn More
Photo of Wyoming Indigenous dance.

Native American Heritage Month


November was Native American Heritage Month which is a time to recognize and celebrate the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous communities. Let's take a moment to deepen our understanding of the impact indigenous communities have had on the progress of our nation and society as a whole.

National Resources
Wyoming Resources
Photo showing different holiday images.

As December unfolds, it brings a season rich with cultural and religious celebrations that remind us of the beauty of diversity and connection. From Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, to the global celebration of Christmas, the warmth of family and giving takes center stage. Kwanzaa highlights African heritage and unity, while the Winter Solstice marks nature’s turning point, and New Year’s Eve closes the month with hope for the future.


No matter what you celebrate, we wish you a season filled with love, light, and togetherness. See you in the new year!

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