|
Q: What were your thoughts about teaching in a rural setting before joining WyRTC, and how has the program impacted your vision for the future?
Ashley shared, “I had a much narrower view of what rural education meant. My parents are from small Wyoming towns, Hulett and Shoshoni, and I assumed rural schools had limited resources.
WyRTC helped me understand that rural can mean many things—even larger schools face the same challenges.”
Danielle agreed, noting, “I thought rural meant fewer experiences. But now I see how diverse these schools are. You can bring in new opportunities, making even the most remote schools vibrant places for learning.”
Q: Are there advantages to teaching and learning in a rural school?
“Absolutely,” Ashley said. “Rural schools offer flexibility that larger districts often can’t. For example, Rock River has better woodworking equipment than Laramie High. It changes your perspective on what ‘resources’ really mean.”
Danielle added, “You become deeply connected to the community. At Rock River, where I completed my student teaching, I saw how local ties support both teaching and learning. It gave me a strong sense of purpose. These ties not only advance education [for students] but also the styles of those teachers.”
Q: How did the mentorship and hands-on experiences through WyRTC influence your professional development?
Ashley described it as transformational: “We don’t always get one-on-one professional learning experiences in undergrad. WyRTC gave me meaningful experiences, such as the involvement in the Teacher/Researcher Knowledge Exchange and place-based education. WyRTC is very science-heavy. I received the bulk of science methods instruction through WyRTC. This shaped my teaching philosophy.”
Danielle emphasized the power of connection: “The support network WyRTC gave me is a toolbox I’ll always carry. It’s made me more confident and grounded as I enter my own classroom.”
Q: How has the program prepared you to meet the challenges of teaching in Wyoming’s schools—rural or otherwise?
Ashley noted that what she learned applies far beyond traditional definitions of “rural”: “I’ll be teaching Dual Language Immersion (DLI) in Cheyenne. Even though Cheyenne is not rural, the skills—relationship-building, adaptability, resourcefulness—are just as vital.”
Danielle pointed out, “The biggest takeaway is knowing where to find support. Our mentors have real-life experiences that help us meet challenges head-on.”
Q: What drew you to WyRTC in the first place?
“I always wanted to return to my rural roots,” Ashley said. “My family left ag communities, but I loved the time I spent in places like Hulett. WyRTC helped me reconnect and reframe what it means to teach in a rural area, where the idea 'that I can help build this' is held among community members.”
"I was taking a class with a UW professor, Alison Mercier," Danielle explained. "She shared about the program. The stipend also helped to cover expenses. I continued in the program because of the community and the hands-on work really helped prepare me. I wasn’t sure how rural I wanted to go, but now I’d even consider a one-room schoolhouse. That’s the confidence WyRTC gave me.”
Q: Where will you be teaching next?
Ashley has accepted a position at Afflerbach Elementary School in Cheyenne. “While I would love to teach in a rural place, I was drawn to working with students who are new to this country and whose language needs many teachers aren’t equipped to meet,” she said.
Danielle will be teaching kindergarten in Evanston at Uinta Meadows. “It’s a small-town feel, and I’m looking forward to collaborating with other teachers. I’ll definitely be using the tools WyRTC gave me.”
Q: Was there ever a moment you thought you'd teach outside Wyoming?
Ashley replied without hesitation, “I thought about teaching out of state—I even studied in Nashville and lived in Mexico for a year. But the more I experienced, the more I realized: Wyoming is home. The program showed me just how many opportunities exist here.”
_______________________________________________
Eligibility & Benefits:
Preservice teachers interested in rural education and community engagement are encouraged to apply to the WyRTC. Participants receive a $1,500 stipend—$500 in December and $1,000 in May upon program completion.
For more information, visit the WyRTC website.
| 
